Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has invoked the legacy of former President Mwai Kibaki in defending the government’s development agenda, saying the administration of President William Ruto is committed to fulfilling the late Head of State’s vision for Kenya.
Prof. Kindiki said Kibaki’s economic transformation agenda, which helped reshape the country’s economy, should inspire leaders to prioritise development over divisive politics, insults and political violence.
He spoke on Wednesday during a development tour of Othaya Constituency, Nyeri County, where he inspected ongoing projects and pledged to ensure their completion.
“President Kibaki had a vision, and that vision is what we are following and honouring today. He did a lot of great work for Kenya. Therefore, we must honour his wishes and implement everything he envisioned for the good of Kenya,” he said.
The Deputy President inspected the Karima-Kabutu Irrigation Project, the Othaya Modern Market, the affordable housing project, Mwai Kibaki Othaya Stadium and the upgrading of Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The Karima-Kabutu irrigation scheme, being implemented at a cost of Sh435 million, is expected to benefit 1,688 households through improved access to water for irrigation.
The Othaya Modern Market, whose construction is costing Sh324 million, will accommodate 750 traders, while the affordable housing project will deliver 320 units at a cost of Sh820 million.
The Sh55 million Othaya Stadium is expected to be completed by December, while the government is investing Sh500 million in upgrading Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Prof. Kindiki said adequate funds had been allocated to the projects and directed government agencies to ensure contractors maintained the pace of implementation.
He announced that President Ruto had committed an additional Sh500 million towards the hospital’s expansion, raising the total allocation to Sh1 billion.
The investment, he said, would support the facility’s elevation to a Level Six hospital and expand access to specialised medical services.
The hospital has received modern diagnostic and treatment equipment, including CT scanners, MRI machines, surgical theatre equipment and dialysis machines.
The DP said the improvements would reduce the need for patients from Nyeri and neighbouring counties to travel to Nairobi for specialised treatment.
He also defended the government’s development record ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying leaders should seek support based on tangible achievements rather than political rhetoric.
“We will return here to seek votes alongside President William Ruto, and we will defend our record through projects such as Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital, Othaya Stadium, Othaya Modern Market and water projects,” he said.
Prof. Kindiki challenged opposition leaders to explain what they had delivered for Othaya when they held public office.
He also condemned political violence, warning leaders against inciting young people to attack opponents, destroy property or disrupt businesses.
“Those seeking elective positions should explain the work they have done and the programmes they intend to implement. Politics should be about ideas, development and empowering citizens, not insults and violence,” he said.
The DP was accompanied by Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga and Principal Secretaries Caroline Karugu and Ephantus Kimotho.
In a separate engagement in Juja Constituency, Kiambu County, Prof. Kindiki directed the contractor undertaking the Kimbo-Matangini and Ndarugu-Nyacaba-Kimuchu roads to commence construction immediately.
The 14-kilometre road project is estimated to cost Sh1.2 billion.
He warned contractors and government officials against slowing down implementation after the launch of projects, saying the government would closely monitor progress.
“On behalf of the government, I want to announce that I have instructed KeRRA and the contractor that, as I leave this place, the construction of this road must not stop. It must begin today,” he said.
The DP said Kiambu had been allocated Sh152 billion to upgrade 1,656 kilometres of roads, of which 368 kilometres had already been completed.
He also cited the Sh53 billion allocation for construction of 29 modern markets, with two additional markets in the pipeline, and Sh432 million set aside to connect 2,500 households to electricity.
Of the electricity allocation, Sh103 million will benefit 530 households in Juja.
Prof. Kindiki urged political leaders to compete on development records and policies, warning that violence threatened national cohesion.
“Politics and elections will take place on one day. After the elections, we will remain one community, one nation, and we will continue to be brothers and sisters,” he said.
He was accompanied by ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, Juja MP George Koimburi, Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, Ann Wamuratha kiambu county women representative, and other local leaders.
