Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has asked residents of Meru County to be patient with ongoing development projects, saying the country cannot be built in a hurry.

Speaking on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at a public sensitisation event at Mwichiune Trading Centre, South Imenti, Kindiki defended his record, emphasising that he has been in office for only two years.

“Na watu wasiniharakishe. Mimi nimekuwa… hata sijamaliza miaka mbili kwa kiti. This is my second year. Wacha haraka,” he told residents.

He questioned why he faced criticism after a few days when previous leaders held office for many years.

“Si watu wakubwa wamekuwa wengi? Si watu walikuwa na crown wengi? Kwa miaka mingi? Mbona hawakupigiwa kelele, mimi mnanipigia kelele na siku mbili? Kila kitu ni kupanga,” he said.

Kindiki outlined several ongoing projects in the county, stressing that planning is essential.

“Barabara tunajenga, stima tunaweka, masoko tunajenga. Hospitali, ndio hiyo tunajenga, Daraja ya Nithi, ndio hiyo. Sasa nataka kuwaambia ya kwamba, nchi ujengwa pole pole,” he said.

He also criticised past leaders who he claimed neglected development.

“Na watu walikuwa wakubwa wengi, Ata wengine wanapitia huku wakitukanana. Walikuwa na viti kubwa serikalini. Siku ile walikuwa na viti hii soko haikujengwa kwa sababu hawakututetea,” he added.

Kindiki vows to act

Kindiki also addressed security concerns in the county, revealing plans to tackle banditry.

“These attacks against our people will end for good. When I was in charge of internal security, we crushed them in Baringo, Kerio Valley, North Eastern, and Lamu. We will crush them in Nyambene. Take my word on this,” he said.

He explained that specialised police teams, supported by the Kenya Defence Forces, will conduct an extensive operation against bandits in Meru North.

“We will deploy intense force against these criminals. They have dared us, now we will wipe them out. This cannot continue any longer,” Kindiki said.

He assured residents that bandits would know the government is in control.

“We cannot allow this to continue. The lives of our people are too precious to be taken away by bandits. Their livestock and properties… cannot just be taken away like that,” he said.

Kindiki also highlighted major development projects in Meru County funded by the national government. Roads worth over Ksh39 billion are under construction, and Ksh3.7 billion is allocated for upgrading link roads in Meru town.

The Gakoromone Modern Market has received Ksh1 billion and will be among the biggest in the country, while 17 other modern markets are at various stages of construction.

Electricity connections are also expanding, with Ksh2.3 billion set to connect 26,000 households. Nithi Bridge, linking Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties, will be constructed with Ksh7 billion already allocated. The Makutano-Mwea-Chuka-Nkubu-Meru-Maua highway will also be expanded to a dual carriageway.

Kindiki urged residents to trust the process and avoid unnecessary protests

“The country is built slowly, and we are delivering. Patience is key,” he said. He was accompanied by Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, Woman Representative Elizabeth Kailemia, Deputy Governor Linda Kiome, and several MPs and MCAs.