Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has moved to counter his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua from making inroads in his perceived Mt Kenya East political turf.

In an effort to consolidate the region behind President William Ruto and his government, Prof Kindiki has announced he will make more frequent visits to the area to unlock development in and in readiness for Ruto’s visit. Meru has 772.139 registered voters according to the 2022 listing, Tharaka Nithi (231,932) and Embu 334,302.

Alarmed by Gachagua’s recent tour of the region, on Friday, Kindiki announced at his Irunduni home in Mukothima in Tharaka Nithi County that he will make regular visits to the area.

Kindiki was addressing county assembly members and grassroots leaders from Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties. The DP accused Gachagua of inciting and dividing the region for his own political gain.

In a show of might, Kindiki dismissed Gachagua as a non-starter “who cannot even pull a crowd of 20 people.” “Who is he to address me? Tell him I am so busy to answer him. I know he wants me to do that. I wonder what he can do now to the people of Mt Kenya after wasting two years being the DP which is a very powerful position. He did not even sink a borehole or build a school in his home?” said Kindiki.

Enemy of development Accusing Gachagua of being bitter and an enemy of development, Kindiki called on locals to ignore him and support the government which he said has launched multi-million shilling projects and is to unlock and complete all stalled development in the region.

“Gachagua was just greedy after being given the second topmost seat. Instead of supporting the president on the development agenda, he was busy working hard to outshine and undermine him. So, unless he prays hard to God to pity him for a second time, he will continue to make noise while outside because he wasted his golden time. Now it’s my time to work and deliver to Kenyans and Mt Kenya region,” said the former Tharaka Nithi senator.

Dismissing Gachagua’s claims that Mt Kenya locals do not support the government, Kindiki urged the region to expect the president soon “who is going to unlock and open fresh projects” in the three counties. “We are expecting the president soon to tour this region just like he has done in Nyanza, Western, Coast and Northern Kenya to initiate projects. Let us ignore distractors, get united so that we can walk the same journey for our own benefits,” he added.