Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has challenged political leaders seeking power in 2027 to account for their past performance instead of relying on insults, nicknames and political slogans to win support.
Kindiki said voters should be given an opportunity to compare what leaders achieved while in office with what they are promising to do, insisting that his attention would remain on development rather than political exchanges.
His remarks came on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he toured Igembe South Constituency in Meru County to inspect ongoing development projects in health, markets and infrastructure.
The Deputy President said the people of Meru and other parts of the country were looking for practical improvements in their lives and not political name-calling.
“Those we are competing with only know how to insult and come up with slogans. I am not going to engage them because it is not what Kenyans want. They want roads, modern markets, water and better hospitals and this is what we are focused on,” Kindiki said.
He said his focus was to work with President William Ruto to complete projects already under way while also supporting the start of new ones across the country.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as he tours Sh425 million Maua Fresh Produce Modern Market in Meru on September 17, 2026.
PHOTO/DPCS
Kindiki also questioned the value of attacks directed at Ruto by political opponents, saying leaders who have previously held senior government positions should first explain what they delivered to citizens during their time in office.
He singled out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Cabinet ministers, challenging them to account for their contribution to Meru and the wider country when they had access to government power.
“Before you call someone ‘Kasongo’ or ‘Soprano’, before you say ‘one term’, tell us what you did when you were in power and what development you brought to Maua, Igembe and Kenya,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President said political leaders should put forward their plans and tell voters how they intend to deal with the country's problems instead of making personal attacks.
He maintained that a leader's record should be considered alongside their promises, noting that those who have held government positions had an opportunity to serve citizens while they were in power.
“Before the insults, they should present their agenda and tell us what they did while they were still in power, because a leader helps the people and citizens when he has government powers,” Prof Kindiki said.
He said development remained a major concern for residents of Meru, listing roads, electricity, milk production, markets, health facilities and the stadium among the issues that matter to them.
“What is the biggest job they can do after coming to Maua? It is not to talk about roads, milk, electricity or the stadium. All they can do is give others nicknames,” he lamented.
Despite the political differences, Kindiki said he still considered some of his critics from the region as brothers because they were born and raised together.
“I know there are my brothers whom we were born with here and grew up together. We have been one and they are my brothers, my blood. We are people of this region,” he said.
He said the political contest should not lead leaders and communities to abandon the relationships they have built over the years.
Kindiki further said he had deliberately chosen not to respond to his critics in the same manner, pointing to Meru customs that discourage conflict between brothers and sisters.
“In Meru customs, you cannot fight with your brother or sister I have forgiven my critics and would continue respecting them despite their attacks I have forgiven them with a clean heart, and I have no problem with anyone,” he said.
The Deputy President said he would continue carrying out his responsibilities in government and would not allow political attacks to shift his attention from development work.
“I have said I will not insult them. I will not disrespect them. I will continue to respect them, even when they continue with their insults, because they are my brothers and sisters,” he said.
As political parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, Kindiki said Kenyans should focus on the records and proposals of those seeking their support.
He maintained that he would continue working for residents of Meru and the wider country despite criticism from his political opponents.
“I have forgiven them unconditionally so they can continue with their insults, but I will continue with the work for the people of Meru and I will continue with the work for the people of Kenya,” Kindiki said.