Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Kindiki, who serves as UDA Deputy Party Leader, said the party had continued to attract new supporters because of the development programme it presented during the 2022 campaigns.
His remarks come against the backdrop of the 2024 removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua through an impeachment process, a development that marked the first time a Kenyan Deputy President was removed from office through Parliament.
Gachagua had on August 9 objected to Kindiki repeatedly calling him his brother and questioned the respect shown to him by his successor, particularly in light of the circumstances surrounding his exit from the Deputy President’s office.
Kindiki, who is also a Njuri Ncheke elder, was further endorsed by the gathering as the political pointman for Mt Kenya. The elders said anyone seeking to engage the region on political or other matters should do so through the Deputy President.
Kindiki explained that he does not use the word brother because of political ties or personal affection, but because of the shared roots of their communities.
The elders said Kindiki’s elevation to the position of Deputy President presents an “historic opportunity” for Mt Kenya East to consolidate its unity, dignity and national voice.
The government has maintained that it has delivered on several fronts and has previously released performance reports detailing its progress under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Speaking during the launch of the National Beyond 2030 Conversation on Wednesday, Kindiki said Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves had risen to $15.1 billion, the highest level in the country’s history, while inflation had moderated from 9.6 per cent to below six per cent.
The disagreement emerged during the Broad-Based Government retreat in Naivasha, where Kisii Governor Simba Arati reportedly called for ODM and UDA to share government positions equally.
Junet said ODM’s decision to work with Ruto’s administration under the broad-based government had opened the way for the parties to negotiate how they will approach the 2027 election and share responsibilities if they succeed.
The former CS maintained that Ruto should be allowed to exercise his discretion without interference, arguing that the decision on his running mate is the President’s prerogative
Speaking at Queen of All Saints Catholic Gaichanjiru Parish in Murang’a County on Sunday during centenary celebrations for St. Raphael Hospital, Kindiki said national unity and peaceful coexistence are not negotiable.