Deputy President Kithure
Kindiki took President William Ruto’s re-election campaign to the
Coast, where he dismissed critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration and
outlined region's development projects.
Addressing an economic
empowerment rally in Malindi hosted by MP Amina Mnyazi, Kindiki framed the
2027 election as a choice between progress and empty rhetoric.
"We have two teams in
this country—one led by Ruto, committed to development, and another
with no agenda for Kenyans," Kindiki said "Leadership is about
deeds, not chest-thumping."
His remarks were met with
cheers from supporters, including Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya (Sports) and governors Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi) and Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa).
The DP detailed
government investments in the Coast, including Sh3 billion in grants to beach
management units, modern fish landing sites and new boats for deep-sea fishing.
He also announced the launch
of Climate Workx, a revamped Kazi Mtaani programme that will employ youths in
environmental conservation.
"They will be paid
weekly," he said.
Kindiki said Sh1.8
billion had been allocated to connect more households in Kilifi to electricity,
with Sh132 million dedicated to Malindi alone—enough to power 20,000 homes.
He also praised the Social
Health Authority, claiming it outperformed NHIF in enrollment and service
delivery.
Kindiki, in a sharp criticism
for the opposition, mocked the Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka-led team
for what he called their lack of a substantive agenda.
"Is their manifesto just
'Ruto Must Go' or 'One Term'?" he asked. "These are leaders who held
power but left no development record."
The DP said the long-standing land issues would be resolved, with title deeds set for
distribution within 10 days.
Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi
praised him as "a capable and dependable leader," while Sports CS
Salim Mvurya reminded attendees of 6,000 title deeds soon to be issued in the
region.
"Let’s not be lied to in
2027," Mvurya said. "President Ruto deserves a second term to finish
what he started."
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko
contrasted Kindiki’s leadership with what she called the tribal politics of his
predecessors.
"You’ve shown us what
real leadership looks like," she said, adding that the region would
support Ruto for the good deeds he’s shown his initial critics.
"We called Ruto names in
2022, yet he still accommodated us in his government. That’s the kind of leader
we need. Together with his deputy Kindiki, they have shown true leadership
without tribal politics. In 2032, we’ll be calling Kindiki and Joho to the
table,” the MP said.
Other speakers, including
Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito and Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, echoed
the call for Ruto’s re-election, framing it as essential for continued
development.
"Those shouting ‘one term’ should remember they couldn’t
even manage one term themselves. Ruto is delivering for the Coast—SHA, roads,
and jobs don’t lie,” Masito said.
Governor Nassir delivered a
metaphor-laden appeal for unity: "A coin sinks, but a ship floats. We need
leaders who will move Kenya forward, not drag us into division."
Migori Woman Representative Fatuma
Mohammed said with Ruto and Raila Odinga now aligned, the opposition had
no credible alternative.
The rally became a platform
for Kenya Kwanza and ODM allies to reinforce Kindiki’s message.
Tana River Senator Danson
Mungatana framed Ruto’s re-election as inevitable adding that the clarion call
in his county was to give the president a second term.
"In Tana River, we’ve declared our support for his second
term. I hope Kilifi joins us".
Kwale Woman Rep Fatuma Masito
took a swipe at detractors saying, "Those shouting ‘one term’ couldn’t
even manage one term themselves".
The sentiment was echoed by
Msambweni MP Faisal Bader, who dismissed rivals as "empty-handed" and lacking plans beyond slogans.
Kaloleni MP Paul Katana
said, “We’re here for development,
not hate. Gachagua told us we ‘have no shares’—now he wants our help? Ruto has
been with us from the start."
South Mugirango MP Sylvanus
Osoro, said, "I listened
to Kalonzo and Gachagua’s team—all they said was ‘Ruto must go.’ Where are
their development plans? Ruto’s track record earns him a second term."
As the rally concluded,
Kindiki’s closing words lingered: "A second term means more roads, more
hospitals, and more jobs. This is about continuity."
For Kenya Kwanza, the Coast, a
region long seen as an opposition stronghold under Raila’s grip, has become a
key battleground.
The government’s development
pledges and the united front of local leaders suggest a determined push to
secure the region’s support ahead of 2027.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The government’s development pledges and
the united front of local leaders, from Kaloleni MP Paul Katana’s rejection of "politics of hate" to
area leaders’ shift - from being Raila loyalist to Ruto advocate, suggest a
determined push to secure the region’s support ahead of the 2027 elections.
