DP Kindiki promises Ksh.1.2B power boost, road,hospital upgrades in Tharaka Nithi

Addressing the gathering, Kindiki updated the women on the implementation of key government projects, including road construction, market upgrades, electricity connectivity, the completion of the Nithi Bridge, and the creation of job opportunities for youth.

He urged the women to be at the forefront in rejecting leaders who, in his words, “have a foul mouth, incite youth into violence, hooliganism, and destruction of public and private property that would otherwise offer jobs and income opportunities.”

“There is a bad culture slowly emerging where political competitors exploit the young people to cause violence and destroy property. This is not acceptable. We should tell the young people we can compete ideologically without resorting to violence,” Kindiki said.

The DP appealed to the women to counsel the youth and positively influence them to take full advantage of government programmes set aside for their economic empowerment. “I plead with you to continue nurturing and supporting young adults so they can be better people and not outcasts engaging in bad behaviors,” he told them.

Kindiki also took aim at his predecessor, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached last year, accusing him of neglecting his duties. “Badala ya kusaidia, mkubwa wake anaenda kupigana na yeye… mtu akibarikiwa anafika hapo, anakuwa na kiburi akafukuzwa hadi na watu wa kwao,” he remarked, in a clear reference to Gachagua’s fallout with President William Ruto.

On development, Kindiki pledged to equip all hospitals in Tharaka Nithi, from Level 2 to Level 4 facilities, with adequate medical equipment, while upgrading Meru Referral Hospital to Level 6 to provide critical care services. “We will ensure all the hospitals in Tharaka Nithi on all levels are well equipped,” he said.

He promised to fast-track the completion of stalled road projects, including the Chogoria-Weru, Keria-Magutuni-Kathwana, Kibugua-Itugururu-Ishiara, and Kaanwa-Mariani-Kamutiria roads, among others. “These roads stalled when Uhuru was President due to economic challenges and COVID-19. Now that the economy is showing signs of recovery, we have resumed paying contractors, and I want to assure you these roads will be completed,” he said.

The Deputy President further announced an allocation of Ksh1.2 billion to boost electricity connectivity in the county, bringing it to par with other regions.

He dismissed critics of the government’s empowerment programmes, saying those opposed were out of touch with the struggles of ordinary citizens.

“Kuna watu wameshiba huko Nairobi wanasema hii empowerment tunahonga wananchi… kuna shida gani ya kiongozi kusaidia wananchi?” Kindiki posed.

Reaffirming his loyalty to President Ruto and his commitment to national service, Kindiki said,

“My work is to assist the President to serve Kenyans and to defend the government. I am working day and night because I don’t want to let you down… I’m a servant of all Kenyans, not only my region. But as I serve Kenyans, I will not forget Tharaka Nithi because it is part of Kenya.”