Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has once again made a strategic push to consolidate political support in the Ukambani region, meeting over 100 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties.
During the meeting, Kindiki appealed to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to abandon what he described as “divisive and tribal politics” promoted by the opposition, and instead align with the Kenya Kwanza government.
He reiterated that Kalonzo has historically not been associated with ethnic-driven politics, describing current opposition tactics as uncharacteristic of the former Vice President’s political style.
“It is disappointing to see my brother Kalonzo being dragged into a very unfamiliar and uncharacteristic space. Kalonzo is not known for ethnic politics or polarising things,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President’s engagement with the 104 MCAs is part of a broader strategy to secure Ukambani’s support and advance the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development agenda. He urged local leaders to unite behind the government’s initiatives, emphasizing that political distractions should not derail service delivery.
“Don’t be distracted by petty people who want to discuss useless things like who is tall or short. Engage in serious matters that will help improve the lives of your people, Ukambani included,” he remarked.
Kindiki outlined several development projects targeted at the region, including the enhancement of agricultural value chains for crops such as coffee, tea, maize, and sugarcane. He also announced plans to engage local farmers in the pulses value chain through initiatives like the national fertilizer subsidy programme.
“Very soon, I will host the pulses value chains farmers here to discuss how they will benefit from government programmes and policies. All our farmers matter,” he added.
The Deputy President’s intensified outreach to Ukambani reflects ongoing efforts to weaken the opposition’s grip on the region by courting influential Wiper leaders and offering development incentives.
