By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, July 19, 2026 - Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has launched a fresh campaign to consolidate support for President William Ruto in the Mt Kenya region, urging residents not to allow political divisions to undermine the region's unity following the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Speaking during the 36th anniversary thanksgiving service of the Embu ACK Diocese at St. Mark's Kigari Teachers Training College grounds in Manyatta Constituency on Sunday, Kindiki insisted that the outcome of the by-election should not be interpreted as a verdict on the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"It was not a presidential election. The people simply elected their Member of Parliament. The presidential election is next year and we are ready. What will matter is the development we have delivered, not who insults others more," the Deputy President said.
Kindiki dismissed opposition attempts to portray the by-election as evidence of waning support for the government, maintaining that Mt Kenya's long-standing unity would not be shaken by political rivalry.
"We have a long history of unity as the people of Mt Kenya. Nothing can divide us. Those who think they can split this region will not succeed. As Deputy President, I will ensure we remain united and continue working together," he said.
The Deputy President also invoked the political alliance between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Ruto during the 2013 elections, arguing that the coalition triumphed despite the challenges both leaders faced at the time.
"We have overcome tougher challenges before. In 2013, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto won despite the cases at The Hague. Nobody should be worried about next year's election because we have a solid development record to present to Kenyans," he said.
Kindiki urged Kenyans to safeguard national unity, saying peace and cohesion remained critical as the country heads into another election cycle.
"We are one nation—from the Coast, Central, Eastern, Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, North Eastern and Nairobi. We have no other country and we must protect its peace and unity," he said.
The Deputy President defended the government's development record, citing ongoing infrastructure projects in Embu County, including the construction of modern markets in Embu, Runyenjes and Ishiara towns, more than 300 kilometres of roads, multi-billion-shilling water projects in Mbeere North, Mbeere South and Manyatta constituencies, electricity connectivity programmes and the planned construction of a Sh1 billion Level Five hospital in Embu Town.
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"We have a lot to show for our record. Next year we will present what we have achieved, and our opponents should also tell Kenyans what they did when they were in power," he said.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire backed the Deputy President's remarks, saying the county had recorded unprecedented development since aligning with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
"I made a personal decision to work with President Ruto and I have no regrets. The last four years have brought development that Embu has never witnessed before," Mbarire said.
Kindiki praised the governor for supporting the national government, saying the partnership had accelerated development in the county.
In an apparent appeal to Mt Kenya voters, the Deputy President argued that supporting President Ruto's re-election would strengthen the region's prospects of producing a future Head of State.
"After President Ruto completes his tenure, Mt Kenya stands a better chance of producing the next President. In other political formations, the region is not under consideration for the presidency anytime soon. Supporting the opposition could keep the region out of power for many years," he said.
The Deputy President also presided over a fundraiser, on behalf of President Ruto, towards the construction of the Embu ACK Diocese Business Complex in Embu Town.