Kindiki Fires Warning Shot, Vows Rivals Will Be Sent Home Ahead of 2027
Politics Updated: 27 April 2026 15:45 EAT
President William Ruto and Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki on Sunday 26th April campaign tour of Tharaka Nithi County
President William Samoei Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Sunday, April 26, 2026, led a politically charged and development-focused tour of Tharaka Nithi County, where both leaders combined project updates with pointed rhetoric aimed at reshaping the Mt Kenya region’s political landscape.
The visit began with a church service at the Presbyterian Teachers’ College Rubate in Chuka, attended by local leaders, clergy, and residents, before transitioning into a series of public addresses and project engagements across the county.
In his remarks, Ruto framed his administration’s record around delivery and reform, stating that “this administration has been defined by action, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to confronting the challenges facing the people of Kenya,” as he outlined ongoing interventions across key sectors.
He emphasized a results-driven approach to governance, adding that “we endeavour to leave behind a legacy of solutions, not excuses,” while pointing to reforms in agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure as pillars of his development agenda.
A major highlight of the tour was the official handover of the Chuka Modern Market, a flagship project aimed at transforming local trade and supporting small-scale businesses within the region.
Ruto detailed the scale of the investment, noting that the “KSh300 million facility is one of the 10 modern markets we are building in the county at a cost of KSh1.5 billion,” positioning it as part of a broader economic empowerment strategy.
He further revealed significant financial commitments in housing and education, stating that “we have also invested KSh7.5 billion in the construction of 5,000 affordable housing units and KSh2.7 billion in 6,000-bed capacity student hostels,” underscoring the administration’s focus on social infrastructure.
On transport development, the President announced additional funding, saying, “we have secured KSh7 billion for the construction of Nithi Bridge,” while also committing to expand the Makutano–Meru–Maua road into a dual carriageway to ease movement and spur economic growth.
Ruto then shifted to a strong defence of his deputy, publicly affirming Kindiki’s role in government and dismissing critics who have questioned his leadership.
“I am telling you thank you very much for giving me this gentleman to help me run the government of Kenya and plan the development of our nation,” Ruto said, as he praised the Deputy President’s contribution.
He went further to describe Kindiki as “an honorable man… a man with brains, a man with a plan,” adding that he has been instrumental in pushing key programmes including markets, roads, electricity, housing, and water projects across the country.
The President sharply criticised those attacking his deputy, warning against arrogance and political disdain, and asserting, “this Professor is 100 times smarter than you,” in remarks that underscored the intensity of the defence.
Ruto also cautioned his deputy against being distracted by critics, telling him, “do not worry about those who insult you… one day they will try to greet you with respect and they will miss the opportunity.”
Turning to broader political dynamics, the President took aim at an unnamed rival he accused of attempting to dictate political outcomes in the region, rejecting any notion of political gatekeeping.
“Imagine, there is someone who is filled with so much pride… he thinks he is the one to decide which leader is elected,” Ruto said, before firmly declaring, “we will only kneel before God, not you.”
He emphasized that electoral authority lies with citizens, stating that “these citizens have brains; they know who has a plan, who has a vision, who has policies,” reinforcing his message of voter independence.
Drawing on historical context, Ruto noted that past leaders from the Mt Kenya region never imposed themselves as sole leaders, saying that “none of them ever came here to boast that he is the sole leader of our Mount Kenya community.”
Deputy President Kindiki echoed the President’s stance with equally forceful remarks, directly challenging claims of exclusive leadership within the region.
“You say you are the leader of the community? Whose community? You will lead nobody, you will lead nowhere, you will lead no time,” Kindiki declared, drawing strong reactions from the audience.
He escalated the political tone by warning rivals of imminent consequences, stating, “you wait and see, next year we will finish this. Me and William Ruto will send you home.”
Kindiki reinforced the argument using historical references, noting that leaders such as Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta were recognized by the people rather than self-declared.
“We were the ones who recognized them and gave them that status,” he said, aligning his message with the President’s narrative on legitimacy.
He also dismissed claims of regional ownership by any individual, stating, “that person who has been cornered thinks he is a fireman… he tells us Mount Kenya is his homestead,” before adding, “this is our home, all of us.”
On development, Kindiki highlighted tangible outcomes, particularly in agriculture, telling the crowd that “one bag used to be 7,000, today it is 2,500… because of the good work you have done, Mr. President.”
He praised the delivery speed of the Chuka Modern Market, stating, “you stood here and said in 12 months you would have built and finished this market… it didn’t even take 12 months,” citing it as evidence of efficient governance.
The Deputy President also reiterated infrastructure priorities, saying, “we want you to expand this road to be a dual carriageway all the way to Meru town,” while referencing ongoing projects such as the Nithi Bridge.
On healthcare, he highlighted improvements in local facilities, noting that “Chuka would still be at a lower level, but now it is Level 5… it now has an ICU,” pointing to expanded medical capacity in the region.
He further acknowledged the President’s public support, stating, “I see you defending your deputy… these fellows are not a match,” reinforcing the administration’s internal cohesion amid political pressure.
The Tharaka Nithi tour ultimately combined policy delivery with assertive political messaging, as both leaders used the platform to reinforce their development record while confronting emerging challenges within the Mt Kenya political arena.
The event signalled a deepening alignment between the President and his deputy, alongside a sharpened strategy to consolidate influence through a blend of infrastructure investment, social programmes, and direct political engagement with voters.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD