Kindiki to politicians: Respect 2027 election outcome, maintain peace

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged politicians across the political divide to respect the will of the people in the 2027 General Election, saying Kenya's unity and peace should take precedence over political competition.

Speaking during a Sunday service at the ACK Diocese of Embu, Kindiki called on leaders and their supporters to accept the outcome of the polls with humility, regardless of whether they emerge victorious or not.

"When people decide, we should be calm. We should not destroy the peace. We should not end our brotherhood. We are one country," Kindiki said.

The Deputy President stressed that elections are temporary events, but the country's unity must endure beyond the ballot.

"After elections we should remain as brothers and sisters. We should stand together and not be divided by small things like who got leadership and who did not get it."

He advised politicians who fail to secure elective positions to remain patient and prepare for future opportunities instead of sowing division.

"Those who will not get leadership should wait for next time. You might be lucky in subsequent elections. We must maintain peace after elections," he said.

Kindiki, however, expressed confidence that the Kenya Kwanza administration would mount a strong campaign for President William Ruto's re-election, saying the government would rely on its development record rather than political rhetoric.

"As the ruling administration, we will not lack an agenda to push when elections come next year. We will have something to tell the people because we have gone out of our way to give the best."

He reaffirmed his support for Ruto's bid for a second term, saying leaders from the Mt Kenya region had already begun consultations on the region's political future.

"Next year we will give Ruto another term. We have done calculations as leaders from the Mt Kenya region."

Kindiki said the discussions also extend beyond the next election, with leaders considering the region's political direction after Ruto completes his constitutional two terms.

"When Ruto retires after serving his last term, what happens next? We have to do calculations."

The Deputy President pledged to ensure that leaders from the Mt Kenya region remain united as the country heads into the election period.

"I am the Deputy President and I will make sure as a region we walk together as we head to the elections."

He challenged political competitors to campaign based on their records of service instead of engaging in personal attacks.

"Let us meet with our opponents on the ground, everybody with their development track record. What will save the president, deputy president, MPs, governors and all elected leaders is the work they will have done for the people and not the noise they will have made."

Kindiki suggested that some politicians could be surprised by the outcome of the election, saying voters would ultimately judge leaders based on their performance.

"There are people who will be shocked. The Bible tells us God humbles the proud and God raises those who are humble."

"No one has not been a leader, so each must have a record. And then people will decide."

He also cautioned political leaders against using places of worship to promote division or inflame political tensions.