Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged the Mt Kenya region to rally behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid, arguing that victory in 2027 would strengthen the region’s chances of producing the country’s next president in 2032.

Speaking in Laare during a day-long tour of Meru County on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Kindiki appealed to residents not to gamble with the 2027 General Election by backing rival political formations, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration offered the region a clearer path to the presidency.

In his address, the DP likened the political transition to a football match, saying the best-positioned player should be allowed to score when the opportunity arises.

“Do not play ping-pong with such an opportunity. Just as in football, the player standing in the best position receives the ball and scores for the team because after President Ruto, I am the best placed to take over, since why should anyone recycle the ball to defenders when the striker is already in front of goal?” he said.

The Deputy President maintained that remaining united behind President Ruto would strengthen Mt Kenya’s prospects of producing the country’s next head of state, while warning that the region stood little chance of attaining the presidency through opposition alliances.

He said the current political arrangement provides the region with a realistic opportunity to ascend to the nation’s top leadership, unlike rival camps where, he claimed, Mt Kenya had no clear path to the presidency.

“In the other political formations, this region is not under consideration for the presidency anytime soon. The opportunity before us is here, and we should not take it for granted,” he told the gathering.

Kindiki’s political record

Kindiki also defended his political record, saying his rise through various leadership positions had equipped him for greater responsibilities. He cited his service as Tharaka Nithi senator for ten years, Majority Leader in the Senate for five years, Deputy Speaker for three years, Interior Cabinet Secretary and now Deputy President as evidence of his experience in public service.

“Some people continue to belittle me and insult me, but my record speaks for itself. I have served this country diligently in every office I have held, and they must respect that experience,” he said.

The Deputy President further urged residents to judge the Kenya Kwanza administration by its development record, saying the government had invested heavily in Meru and the larger Mt Kenya region since taking office.

According to Kindiki, no previous administration had undertaken as many development projects in the region within such a short period.

“There is no other government that has given Meru and the Mt Kenya region the level of attention this administration has. We are asking our people to continue supporting the government because it has demonstrated its commitment through development,” he said.

The Deputy President dismissed critics urging residents to abandon the government, insisting that remaining in government was the surest way to secure more development projects and future political opportunities. He assured residents that all projects promised by President Ruto would be completed, even as he appealed for patience.

“The President is under pressure to deliver everything at once, yet Kenya has had four presidents before him. We are implementing our promises step by step, and every commitment we have made will be fulfilled,” he added.