Kindiki Tells Mt Kenya to Reject “Insult Politics” Amid Rising Tensions

By James Murimi - Reporter

Kenya, April 15, 2026 - Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has urged residents of the Mt Kenya region to firmly reject what he termed as politics of insults and disrespect towards elected leaders, saying such conduct undermines national cohesion and development.

The Deputy President insisted that all leaders—regardless of political affiliation—deserve respect and warned against what he described as growing attempts by opposition figures to demean elected leaders during political engagements.

“Do not allow anyone to come here and insult your leaders. Stand firm but remain respectful. Do not be intimidated into silence but also do not be drawn into unnecessary hostility and contests,” Prof Kindiki said.

He spoke on Wednesday when he commissioned and inspected several development projects in Kirinyaga Central Constituency, Kirinyaga County.

During the visit, the Deputy President officially commissioned the Gatarwa Last Mile Electricity Supply Project, which will see 165 households connected to electricity at a cost of Sh9.5 million.

He later inspected ongoing construction works on the Kagumo–Mununga–Kiamaina–Kianjagi road before addressing residents at Kagumo Trading Centre, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating development in the region.

Prof Kindiki dismissed criticism from opposition leaders, describing it as political noise lacking substance or direction.

“This kind of chest-thumping from some of the opposition leaders who have limited influence leads nowhere. The world is guided by wisdom, not incitement, noise or lack of a clear agenda and direction. We have seen such petty politics before and it is useless,” he noted.

He further emphasized that the Mt Kenya region would continue to support the government while focusing on securing development benefits for residents.

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“We will ensure that our people benefit as much as possible from the development brought by this government because it is a government we elected. We will not stand by and allow outsiders, especially those who have done little for their own people, to come and claim space here,” he said.

The Deputy President also called for respect towards President William Ruto, saying leadership must be exercised with dignity and responsibility.

“We have had many influential leaders from the Mount Kenya region who served with dignity and did not resort to insulting or belittling others. Leadership requires respect and responsibility,” he added.

He warned that abusive politics undermines meaningful national discourse and development.

“Resorting to abuse against the President or other leaders lowers the level of discourse and does not help anyone,” he said.

Among those present were Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Deputy Governor David Githanda, Kirinyaga Central MP David Gitari, Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge, County Assembly Speaker Muteti Murimi, and several MCAs.