By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, July 12 ,2026 - Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched his strongest appeal yet to Mt Kenya voters to stand firmly behind President William Ruto's re-election bid in 2027, arguing that supporting the Head of State is the region's surest route to eventually capturing the country's highest office.
In a politically charged tour of Meru County on Sunday, Prof. Kindiki warned residents against what he described as risky political experiments, insisting that abandoning President Ruto would jeopardise Mt Kenya's opportunity to produce the country's next president after the completion of Ruto's second term.
Addressing worshippers and later a public rally in Laare, the Deputy President declared that he was the "best placed" leader to succeed President Ruto and likened the succession race to a football match in which the striker should be allowed to score instead of passing the ball backwards.
"Don't play ping pong with a chance like this at the Presidency. Just like in football, the best-placed person to score receives the ball and puts it in the net," Kindiki said.
"After President Ruto, I am the best-placed person to take over from him. I am the striker staring at the goal. Why should anyone ask you to recycle the ball to defenders when I am standing in the best position to score?"
The remarks are likely to intensify political debate within the Mt Kenya region, where succession politics and the 2027 General Election are increasingly taking centre stage despite repeated calls by Kenya Kwanza leaders to prioritise development.
Kindiki urged residents to remain loyal to the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying the region had no realistic pathway to State House through the opposition.
"In the other formation, this region is not under consideration to take over the presidency any time soon. Under President Ruto's leadership, the opportunity is right before us. Do not be deceived. This is the best possible chance for us to ascend to the Presidency," he said.
The Deputy President also defended his own leadership credentials, saying his long public service record had prepared him for greater responsibility despite sustained criticism from political rivals.
"Let them continue insulting me and belittling me. I served as Senator for 10 years, five years as Majority Leader, three years as Deputy Speaker, two years as Interior Cabinet Secretary and now Deputy President. They must respect us," he said.
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Kindiki linked his political message to the government's development record, arguing that President Ruto's administration had invested billions of shillings in Meru County through roads, electricity connectivity, modern markets and the upgrading of Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to Level Six.
He also cited the Sh39 billion road infrastructure programme, the Sh2.3 billion electricity expansion project and the ongoing redesign of Nithi Bridge, saying the projects demonstrated the government's commitment to transforming the region.
"There is no other government that has given Meru the attention President Ruto's administration has. We should not repay that commitment with disrespect. There is no other place for us outside this government," Kindiki said.
He appealed for patience as the government implements its development agenda, saying President Ruto would fulfil all campaign promises despite pressure for immediate results.
"The President is being pressured to deliver everything now as though he is the first President Kenya has had. We inherited many challenges. We will honour every promise, but Kenyans must give us time," he said.
Kindiki attended services at the Methodist Church Abothuguchi Synod in Imenti Central and the Methodist Church Laare Synod in Igembe North, where he also led fundraising drives before addressing residents at Laare trading centre.
His latest remarks underscore the Kenya Kwanza leadership's growing efforts to consolidate support in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region as political alignments ahead of the 2027 General Election continue to gather momentum.