Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has assured residents
of Mbeere North that the government will not interfere with the upcoming
by-election, emphasizing that the people will be free to exercise their
democratic right in electing a leader of their choice.
Speaking during a major elders’ meeting held at Siakago
Girls’ Grounds in Mbeere North, Embu County, the Deputy President lauded local
elders for unanimously resolving to support a pro-government candidate.
The by-election was triggered by the appointment of former
Mbeere North MP Hon. Geoffrey Ruku as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service,
Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes.
Kindiki expressed confidence in UDA’s chances of retaining the
seat and pledged to personally lead the party’s campaigns once the Independent
Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announces the date.
“I will camp in Mbeere until UDA wins. The government has
returned a Cabinet position to this region. The people of Mbeere should
reciprocate by voting for a government-backed candidate. Don’t let me down,” he
said.
So far, eight candidates have declared interest in vying for
the UDA ticket.
The Deputy President confirmed that the party will conduct
transparent nominations, and assured that those who do not secure the ticket
will be considered for government appointments.
“All eight aspirants will be subjected to a fair nomination
process. We urge them to support the winner for party unity. Those who don’t
win will still have a role in government,” he added.
CS Ruku, who accompanied the Deputy President, reiterated
the elders’ unified stand in support of the government and the UDA candidate.
He noted that the administration has already initiated
transformative projects in the area and that the residents are firmly part of
the government’s development agenda.
“The elders are united and have spoken in one voice. The
government has launched several mega projects in Mbeere, and we intend to
remain part of the government moving forward,” Ruku said.
He called for unity among the residents and urged them to
rally behind the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the ruling party.
CS Ruku, who accompanied the Deputy President, reiterated
the elders’ unified stand in support of the government and the UDA candidate.
He noted that the administration has already initiated
transformative projects in the area and that the residents are firmly part of
the government’s development agenda.
“The elders are united and have spoken in one voice. The
government has launched several mega projects in Mbeere, and we intend to
remain part of the government moving forward,” Ruku said.
The gathering, dubbed the 5600 Elders Baraza, brought
together over 5,600 elders from across the constituency to deliberate on the
region's development priorities and political direction.
The elders affirmed their commitment to continued engagement
with the government to track and support key development projects.
Among the projects highlighted were the tarmacking of the
Kanyuambora–Kamumu–Kageri road, the Kanyuambora and Kamata irrigation schemes,
rural electrification efforts, and the upgrade of the Gikuyari–Kirie–Ishiara
road to bitumen standards.
“I am here to announce that road construction projects,
which had stalled due to lack of funds, have now resumed. We are committed to
completing these projects by 2027,” said Prof. Kindiki, reinforcing the
government’s resolve to fulfill its development pledges in the region.
Kindiki concluded by affirming that the government has
secured adequate funding to revive and complete all previously stalled projects
in Mbeere North and across the country by 2027.
