Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned politicians who are knee-deep in premature campaigning, cautioning them against engaging in what he termed as hollow and self-serving political theatrics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Taking to his official X account on Saturday, June 7, 2025, Kindiki made it clear that the era of flashy slogans and political vendettas is over.

He emphasised that the 2027 polls will be defined not by noise or propaganda, but by tangible results, the kind that impact lives in all 47 counties.

“What will count in the next election is one’s track record of pushing forward the development agenda of Kenyans across all 47 counties. Kenya will not care about empty slogans and vengeful schemes to determine who serves for how many terms in office,” Kindiki posted.

His remarks come barely a week after he criticised leaders who use the campaign season to deceive informal workers such as hawkers and boda boda riders with false promises and small handouts.

Speaking during a public engagement in Zombe, Kitui East, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, Kindiki emphasised the importance of serving Kenyans consistently, not just during election time. He urged elected leaders to be accountable and actively support all citizens throughout their term in office.

The Deputy President condemned the common practice among some politicians who, during campaign periods, appear in markets and public spaces offering small tokens such as aprons and KSh100 notes to win the favour of informal workers.

“Let us stop waiting for the campaign period to remember hawkers and boda boda riders, only to mislead them with aprons and Ksh100 handouts,” he said.

He called on leaders to engage in meaningful, long-term development initiatives that improve the lives of all Kenyans regardless of the election calendar.

Kindiki to Kalonzo

In a surprising shift in tone during his recent visit to Makueni County, Kindiki also extended rare praise to opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka, whom he described as a principled and respectful politician.

While speaking in Kalonzo’s political backyard, Kindiki said he felt welcomed and at home in the Ukambani region, just as Kalonzo does when visiting Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties.

“When I am here in Makueni, I feel at home; even Kalonzo, when he goes to Tharaka Nithi and Meru, says he feels at home. Why should I be here and not feel at home? Even I feel at home,” Kindiki said, drawing cheers from the crowd.

He described Kalonzo as a gentleman who avoids the kind of insult-driven politics that many others in the opposition are known for.

While Kalonzo has been vocal in his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government, Kindiki took a respectful stance, urging the crowd to greet Kalonzo on his behalf and emphasising the importance of treating political opponents with dignity.

“Please greet him for me, and we have no issues. We respect leaders; we do not insult anyone. That is just how we are,” he said.

However, Kindiki warned the opposition not to mistake Kenya Kwanza’s respectful approach for weakness.

“Some people see us like this and think we are pushovers. We are not pushovers,” he asserted.

Barbs at Gachagua

He did not shy away from criticising former DP Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of being the main source of verbal attacks against the government and President Ruto.

Kindiki expressed concern about Gachagua’s growing trend of insulting leaders at public rallies and cautioned Kalonzo to be wary of associating too closely with him.

“He is full of arrogance; it starts here and reaches South Africa. They go around insulting everyone, MPs, artists, and even the president. And this man, my big brother Kalonzo Gachagua, will insult him,” Kindiki said.

“Big brother Kalonzo should be careful, I am telling you. Because no one can be so arrogant as to insult everyone, thinking they have all the power. Is he God?” he added.

This came just days after Kalonzo declared June 25 a national holiday to honour the youth who were injured or killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

Addressing a rally in Machakos on May 30, 2025, Kalonzo said the day would be marked as Gen Z Revolution Day in memory of the young people who stood up for good governance.

“We shall be marking June 25, 2025, as a Gen Z revolution day. This will be a holiday for all Kenyans to celebrate the new liberation championed by the Gen Zs,” Kalonzo said.

“We have to respect the youth of this country who lost their lives, yet their parents have yet to receive compensation from the government,” he added.