By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, July 22, 2026 - Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday mounted a spirited defence of President William Ruto's administration, declaring that the Government will not tolerate politicians who incite violence or exploit political competition to undermine national security.
Speaking during the launch of the Githimani Land Registry and the issuance of title deeds in Yatta Constituency, Machakos County, Kindiki said political rivalry must remain within the law and should focus on development rather than ethnic mobilisation, threats and destruction of property.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions and renewed opposition campaigns against President Ruto's administration.
"We welcome political competition because democracy allows every Kenyan to support the leader of their choice. But nobody will be allowed to threaten the peace and stability of this country in the name of politics," the Deputy President said.
He warned politicians against inciting young people to engage in violence during demonstrations, saying peaceful protests are protected by the Constitution but criminal acts such as looting, arson and destruction of businesses would not be tolerated.
"If you want to demonstrate, do so peacefully and go home. We cannot allow criminals to burn supermarkets, destroy businesses and rob hardworking Kenyans under the cover of political protests," he said.
Kindiki said the Government would firmly separate legitimate political activity from criminality, insisting Kenya's security remained non-negotiable.
"It does not matter whether you support the Government or the Opposition. Our national security and stability are paramount. We must reject violence and the misuse of young people to prosecute politics," he said.
The Deputy President also accused some politicians of attempting to divide Kenyans along tribal lines, saying President Ruto had deliberately rejected ethnic politics in favour of inclusive development.
"The President governs all Kenyans, including those who did not vote for him. Development cannot be based on how people voted. Every region deserves roads, electricity, water, markets and employment opportunities because every Kenyan pays taxes," he said.
He cited ongoing infrastructure projects in Machakos County as evidence of the Government's commitment to equitable development despite the region largely voting against Kenya Kwanza in the 2022 General Election.
Among the projects, he said, are 517 kilometres of roads under construction at a cost of about Sh30 billion, including the Matuu-Ikombe-Gatangi Road and the Matuu-Ekarakara Road, whose contractors are already on site.
He added that Sh50 million had been allocated for the Ekarakara Bridge while the National Irrigation Authority was implementing projects to address water shortages in the region.
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Kindiki also announced that the newly opened Githimani Land Registry would end decades of suffering for residents who previously travelled to Machakos town to process title deeds at considerable expense.
"For many years residents spent over Sh1,000 travelling to Machakos, sometimes staying overnight without receiving services. That burden ends today because title deeds will now be processed here in Githimani," he said.
The Deputy President praised President Ruto for decentralising government services, saying no region would be left behind in national development.
He also commended Yatta MP Robert Basil for working closely with the national government, arguing that leaders should prioritise service delivery over political confrontation.
"Leadership is about roads, markets, water and jobs—not endless political rallies. Leaders will ultimately be judged by what they have delivered to wananchi," Kindiki said.
He disclosed that the Githimani Modern Market is about 60 per cent complete and directed the contractor to finish the remaining works within two months ahead of its planned commissioning by President Ruto later this year.
Kindiki further said affordable housing projects, modern markets and student hostels being implemented across the country had created employment opportunities for thousands of young people.
Turning to corruption, the Deputy President challenged public servants to uphold integrity, saying graft remained one of the biggest obstacles to Kenya's development.
"Corruption is what is destroying our nation. Every public officer should be content with the salary they earn and the wealth they acquire through honest work," he said.
He concluded by urging Kenyans to reject tribalism and embrace national unity, saying every community has an equal stake in the country's future.
"Kenya belongs to all of us. No one will be allowed to divide citizens on the basis of tribe, religion or politics. We must remain one nation united in peace and development," he said.