Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has challenged opposition leaders to prepare for a robust political contest based on tangible development achievements, urging them to account for what they delivered to Kenyans when they previously held positions of power.
Speaking on Thursday during an inspection tour of ongoing government projects in Tigania West in Meru County, Prof. Kindiki said the next political contest should focus on leaders’ track records rather than rhetoric.
According to the Deputy President, leaders will ultimately be judged by the projects and programmes they implement to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Every leader is known by the work they do for wananchi. When the time comes, we will show the roads, water projects, markets and electricity connections we have delivered. Our opponents must also be ready to show what they did when they were in power,” he said.
Prof. Kindiki dismissed claims by critics who have portrayed him as politically weak, asserting that he remains focused on serving the public and delivering the government’s development agenda.
“I am not a pushover as some people claim. We are focused on our work and committed to serving the people,” he added.
During the tour, the Deputy President inspected the progress of the **Kianjai Modern Market**, a major trading facility expected to be completed within the next two months. He also reviewed the construction of roads within Kianjai township aimed at improving transport and boosting local commerce.
Prof. Kindiki said the government under President William Ruto has committed substantial resources to infrastructure development across Meru County, including a major road construction programme worth Sh39.5 billion.
He noted that the initiative includes the revival of stalled road projects initiated under previous administrations. In Meru town alone, Sh3.7 billion has been allocated for the rehabilitation and upgrading of urban roads.
“Every constituency in Meru County will benefit fairly from the road development budget. We have cleared pending bills owed to contractors and most of them have already returned to their worksites, while others are preparing to resume,” he said.
In addition to road infrastructure, the government is also investing heavily in modern markets across the county to support traders and stimulate local economies.
Markets in Kianjai, Maua, Laare, Mutuati and Mikinduri are nearing completion, each costing between Sh300 million and Sh350 million.
Further, 12 additional Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets are under construction in Timau, Kiirua, Gikumene, Gatimbi, Mujwa, Mwichuine, Igoji, Kamachege, Mulika, Nchiru, Kangeta and Athiru Gaiti. These facilities are being built at a cost ranging between Sh55 million and Sh70 million.
The Deputy President also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand electricity access in the region. The government has already disbursed Sh2.3 billion to connect an additional 27,000 households to the national grid. A Sh300 million power sub-station is also under construction in the Nyambene area to enhance electricity supply.
While addressing political tensions in the region, Prof. Kindiki urged opposition leaders visiting Meru to avoid confrontational politics and personal attacks against local leaders.
He warned that leadership should be anchored on solutions to people’s challenges rather than insults or incitement.
“You cannot succeed as a leader if the only thing you do is insult other leaders, incite people against one another, sponsor violence or offer empty rhetoric without real solutions,” he said.
The Deputy President also called for unity among leaders and residents of the Meru region, emphasizing that political differences should not undermine community cohesion.
As a member of the revered Njuri Ncheke council of elders, Prof. Kindiki said he would maintain respect for fellow leaders regardless of political disagreements.
“I have no problem with any leader from Meru. I have forgiven those who insult me. As an elder of Njuri Ncheke, I know our community must remain united now and even after elections. It is not our culture to disrespect fellow elders,” he stated.
The Deputy President was accompanied during the tour by Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome, John Mutunga (Tigania West MP), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central MP), and Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East MP), as well as several Members of County Assembly and other local leaders.
