Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the administration’s development record in Kirinyaga.
The Deputy President cites roads, electricity connections and coffee earnings in Kirinyaga, urging voters to judge leaders on delivery rather than political attacks.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended President William Ruto’s development record ahead of the 2027 election. He urged voters to judge leaders by their achievements rather than slogans and personal attacks.
Speaking at rallies in Ndia and Gichugu constituencies in Kirinyaga County, Kindiki accused opposition leaders of favouring rhetoric over policy. He also challenged them to explain what they had delivered during their time in public office.
The Deputy President cited roads, electricity connections and agricultural earnings as evidence of the administration’s performance. However, he acknowledged that the government still faced challenges, including improving returns for tea farmers.
Kindiki puts delivery at centre of 2027 election
Kindiki said the next election should turn on competing ideas, development priorities and records of service. In particular, he asked residents to consider roads, water projects and electricity access when assessing political leaders.
He also said he would not engage in personal exchanges that distracted from the government’s development agenda. Instead, he urged voters to measure the administration’s performance against the promises it made when taking office.
While defending its achievements, Kindiki said the government still had work to do in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and education. He maintained that public investment should reach communities regardless of their political affiliation.
Roads and electricity projects in Kirinyaga
On infrastructure, Kindiki said approximately 100 kilometres of roads were under construction in Gichugu. He cited 53 kilometres in the constituency’s eastern area and another 42 kilometres in the west.
He said the area had historically lacked sufficient tarmac roads, limiting connectivity and economic activity. The Deputy President credited Ruto with prioritising projects to address those gaps.
Across Kirinyaga, Kindiki said the government had prioritised 571 kilometres of roads for tarmacking at a projected Sh42 billion. The projects aim to ease transport for tea, coffee and milk, while lowering the cost of reaching markets.
He also reported that 32,000 households in the county had gained electricity connections since September 2022. Another Sh845 million, he said, would support connections for 10,800 additional households.
In Gichugu, Kindiki cited a Sh75 million allocation targeting electricity connections for a further 2,100 households.
Coffee earnings, housing and industrial investment
Turning to agriculture, Kindiki said some coffee factories were paying farmers Sh150 per kilogramme. He compared that figure with payments of between Sh50 and Sh60 in 2022.
However, he acknowledged continuing difficulties in the tea sector and said the government was working to improve farmers’ earnings.
Other investments he highlighted included 110 affordable housing units in Kianyaga and modern markets. He also cited student accommodation at Gichugu Technical and Vocational Education and Training institution.
Meanwhile, Kindiki said the Sh500 million County Aggregation and Industrial Park at Sagana was complete. He presented the facility as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains and expand economic opportunities.
Call for peaceful political competition
Beyond development, the Deputy President cautioned political leaders against incitement, attacks on opponents, road blockades and looting. He warned that such actions could threaten national stability.
Kindiki urged leaders across the political divide to support peaceful competition. He said Kenyans should make their electoral choices freely, without intimidation.
