Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has strongly condemned divisive politics, asserting that the transformation of Kenya can only be achieved through unity and economic development rather than through hate speech and tribalism. His remarks come amidst growing political tensions over the fate of President William Ruto’s administration.
Speaking on Thursday during a meeting with leaders from Isiolo County, Kindiki emphasized that the country’s progress relies on converting natural resources into wealth and ensuring equitable distribution among citizens, especially those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
“That is how you transform a country. You don’t transform a country by talking and throwing hate, division, and tribalism,” Kindiki stated. “You develop a country by saying, ‘How can we convert the resources God has given us in different parts of the country into wealth and distribute it to as many people as possible?’”
His remarks were aimed at critics of the Kenya Kwanza government, particularly those pushing the narrative that Ruto’s presidency will be limited to a single term. The Deputy President dismissed such claims as unrealistic and politically inconsequential.
On Wednesday, Kindiki directly responded to his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, who has been vocal about uniting the opposition to challenge Ruto in the 2027 general election. Gachagua, speaking during the launch of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) headquarters, vowed to rally a national movement to prevent Ruto from securing a second term.
“We shall be selfless as a team and let us not approach these elections with a predetermined mindset that it has to be my way,” Gachagua declared. “We need to sit down and do proper arithmetic so that we do not fight each other.”
However, Kindiki ridiculed the notion that making Ruto a one-term president should be a primary political objective, questioning its relevance to national progress.
“I saw some guys saying how their singular motivation is to make William Ruto a one-term president. Really? And then? How can that be your motivation as a leader?” he posed.
Kindiki further asserted that Ruto’s administration has already made significant strides, adding that whether the president secures re-election or not, his legacy will be defined by the impact of his leadership.
“He is among the only five Kenyans who have been privileged to occupy the highest office in the land, while many others have tried in vain. Even if he does not get a second term, he will have transformed lives in the country,” Kindiki concluded.
As political temperatures continue to rise, the battle lines for 2027 are already being drawn, setting the stage for a highly contested election.
