Kindiki vows to serve all Kenyans irrespective of ethnicity

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addresses a press conference in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured that his office will serve all Kenyans, irrespective of ethnic or party affiliation.

The DP emphasized that the country faces numerous economic challenges and called on Kenyans and elected leaders, to support President William Ruto in addressing them.

“Despite the many challenges we face, this country is blessed. We have peace, unlike other nations suffering from civil strife and social instability, where people are killing each other. In Kenya, God has helped us overcome these challenges,” said Prof. Kindiki Sunday.

He was speaking at the Jesus Palace of Praise Church in Mwatate Town, Taita Taveta County, during his first thanksgiving service following his swearing-in as Deputy President.Kindiki stressed the importance of unity among Kenyans for the country to achieve meaningful development.

“Unity is crucial. Without unity, we will not realize our goals as a nation. Kenyans must be patient and show restraint as the President works tirelessly to realize the country’s aspirations,” he said.

The thanksgiving ceremony, which was attended by both ruling and opposition coalition leaders, was overshadowed by the topic of former DP Rigathi Gachagua’s removal from office via impeachment.

Among those attending the service were Taita Taveta Woman Representative Lydia Haika, MPs Danson Mwashako (Wundanyi), John Bwire (Taveta), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Nimrod Mbai (Kitui East), and Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North), all of whom accompanied Prof. Kindiki.

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Kiarie addressed the gathering, stating that the removal of Gachagua marked the end of divisive politics and the “shareholding” deceit in Kenya.

“There is no longer leadership for Mount Kenya alone. What we have now is leadership to unite all Kenyans. This is the time for the President and his new deputy to deliver for the country,” Kiarie said.

“The President needed a partner to advance the country’s development agenda, and Kindiki is the right person in the right place. The President needs the support of all Kenyans to fulfill his election promises,” he added. Kiarie also urged Kindiki to serve all Kenyans equally, without discrimination.

Mbai praised Kindiki’s appointment, saying, “It was delayed, but God’s will has been fulfilled. God decided that Kindiki should be the DP, and we all supported the motion to impeach Gachagua to end divisive politics.”

He went on to note that the head of state was “prayed into power” and that God had led him to choose the right deputy. “God has shown the President the way to work with the ODM party leader to stabilize the nation,” he said.

Ruku also lauded Kindiki’s appointment, saying he was capable of uniting all Kenyans. “Prof. Kindiki will no longer represent only the Mount Kenya region; he will serve all Kenyans. He will preach peace, love, and unity and will assist the President in serving the entire nation, unlike the previous DP who betrayed the head of state,” Ruku said.

“The politics of shareholding are dead and buried,” he added, accusing some parliamentary committees of fostering corruption by manipulating the budget-making process to their advantage.

Bwire echoed similar sentiments, saying the delay in Kindiki’s appointment was unfortunate but that the promise had now come to fruition. “There is a time for everything, and the time for shareholding politics is over. This is the time for unity. We were told we wouldn’t be shareholders until 2027, but now we see light at the end of the tunnel,” Bwire said.

Mwashako mentioned that 93 percent of his constituents had voted in favor of the impeachment motion against Gachagua.

“The changes we’ve been advocating for are now underway. Smaller communities, like Tharaka Nithi and Taita Taveta, now have the opportunity to ascend to the presidency, a position that has traditionally been dominated by larger communities,” said the opposition legislator who supports the Kenya Kwanza administration.

He also noted that the Coast region had been marginalized for years in terms of infrastructure projects like roads, electricity, and water. “Successive governments have neglected this area, and my constituency still has no tarmac roads since independence,” Mwashako told the Deputy President.

He urged the government to honor the President's recent pledge for 50-50 revenue sharing from Tsavo. “We will support this government if it fulfills the promises made to the local community,” he added.

Shake highlighted that Taita Taveta was now part of the government after 22 years in the opposition.

Rong’e Ward legislator Dorcyus Mlughu claimed that the county administration was riddled with corruption and should be investigated.

“Taita Taveta is not doing well because of massive corruption. There are no drugs or gloves in health facilities, despite receiving its fair share of revenue from the government. Poor management is to blame, and the county needs radical reform to eliminate corruption cartels,” she said.