Kindiki: Lessons from Kenyatta and Uhuru shaped responsible politics in Mt Kenya
By Steve Ireri, August 16, 2025Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on Mt Kenya leaders and citizens to uphold responsible and disciplined politics, attributing the region’s relatively calm political culture to lessons learnt from former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the late President Jomo Kenyatta.
Speaking in Laikipia on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Kindiki warned against destructive politics, particularly those involving violence, property destruction, or intimidation.
“Hold on to your leaders and do not allow politics of foolishness that destroys property earned through hard work,” he said.
The Deputy President, who noted that he hails from the area and understands the local schemes, emphasised that Mt Kenya people were taught proper political conduct.
“We were taught good politics by Mzee Kenyatta and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. We do not burn our property. I condemn the politics of war, and I want to say that we will not allow people who want to assume power through violence and terrorising citizens. Politics is not about war; politics is about policies,” he said.
He further underscored that any aspirant for leadership should gain popularity and legitimacy through peaceful competition rather than force.
He insisted that he and other leaders supporting President William Ruto are showcasing the projects the president has implemented for the people, and that the opposition should also present their achievements instead of pressuring citizens to turn against one another.
“We, the people of Ruto, have come together to say Ruto has done what he does, it should continue being done, and what will be done in future should follow the same path. opposition team should also come and tell us what they intend to do. Whoever gains popularity should be elected; whoever does not will have another day to lead. Politics is not about creating enemies; it is competition for leadership.”
Kindiki also reflected on historical lessons, citing the example of former President Uhuru Kenyatta during his early political career.
He noted how Uhuru respected Mwai Kibaki’s tenure despite personal ambitions, illustrating patience and respect for democratic processes.
“When Uhuru wanted to contest for the presidency against Mwai Kibaki, elders advised him to be patient. He respected Kibaki’s tenure, and the transition continued smoothly without chaos. He did not join the opposition unnecessarily,” he said.
The Deputy President insisted that politics should never be about forcing power through threats or intimidation.
He decried the notion of dividing communities along political lines, stating that such actions amount to a self-imposed trap.
“It is like coercing oneself. Politics is not war; politics is where policies are presented. Whoever succeeds becomes our leader, and whoever does not will have another opportunity in future,” he said.
Kindiki further implored Mt Kenya residents to never allow anyone to burn property or destroy what they have worked for with sweat, emphasising that politics should prioritise governance and development over violence.
“Do not allow people to burn our property or destroy what we have worked for with sweat. Politics should be about governance and development, not violence,” he said.