Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki has told his opponents to back down and wait until 2022.
“[The year] 2017 will be the last time I contest for the seat as in 2022 I will be beginning my quest to lead this country,” he said.
“I will discuss with Deputy President William Ruto to decide the way forward. I might be even in the presidential ballot or become Ruto’s running mate, who knows!” Kindiki spoke on Sunday at Kamaguna Methodist Church, Tharaka constituency.
He urged the people of Tharaka Nithi not to give away the Senate majority leader seat.
“I was elected the Senate majority leader after being elected senator by the people of Tharaka Nithi. It is the biggest seat the county has ever had since Independence. I’m sure the people will not let it go,” Kindiki said.
I’LL BEAT THEM HANDS DOWN
He said trader Francis Kiambi, popularly known as Matanka, and the political adviser to the Tharaka Nithi governor, Ichenga Mugao, should drop their quest as he will beat them hands down.
“It is their constitutional right to contest, but the earlier they quit the better. I will trounce them early in the morning. They are not a threat. I’m concentrating on my role as the incumbent,” he said.
Kindiki said he has lobbied for many projects, including the Sh1 billion Weru-Kianjagi-Chogoria, which is under construction. Kindiki and Kiambi shared a podium on Saturday for the first time since the latter announced his bid.
They met at DEB Iriga Primary School, Maara constituency, during a funds drive to upgrade the school.
Kiambi said he is running for election because the promises made to residents have not been fulfilled.
He said he will ensure county leaders work together to ensure development, especially in agriculture, the region’s backbones.