Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, on Monday, cautioned politicians against making reckless claims about election rigging, saying such remarks threaten the country’s democratic space and could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Speaking in Kitutu Chache North in Kidii, Kindiki said Kenya’s democracy must be protected through responsible political discourse and respect for independent institutions.
“We respect democracy. Careless talk about rigging should not be part of the political discourse,” he said.
The Deputy President maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration supports free and fair elections, adding that President William Ruto was elected through a credible and independent electoral process.
He said leaders seeking elective seats should focus on their development record instead of engaging in divisive rhetoric.
“It is not about rhetoric, but action and what you have done for the people,” said Kindiki.
He noted that voters would judge leaders based on service delivery and tangible development projects rather than political propaganda.
At the same time, Kindiki condemned intolerance and political violence following the killing of Rachel Wandeto, saying every Kenyan has a constitutional right to support leaders of their choice without intimidation.
“Every Kenyan should be allowed to support any leader they want. That is the beauty of democracy,” he stated.
The Deputy President urged political leaders and their supporters to embrace peaceful engagement as the country continues preparing for future elections.
Kindiki further announced that an additional 20,000 teachers will be recruited next month.
The figure adds to the more than 100,000 teachers already employed by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“We are committed to ensuring our schools have enough teachers. By next month, another 20,000 teachers will be recruited,” he said.
Kindiki who was speaking at Geturi Secondary in Kitutu Chache North Monday further noted that the government has constructed more than 23,000 classrooms nationwide to support the implementation of CBE.
On technical education, Kindiki said the introduction of Recognition of Prior Learning in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions had enabled thousands of young people with skills acquired through apprenticeship to receive formal certification.
He also said the government has already slashed tuition fees in technical institutions to Sh 80000 from about Sh100,00 to make vocational training more affordable fot for the country’s youth.
Kindiki further said the government has steadily increased funding for the education sector, with the budget rising from Sh500 billion to Sh700 billion under the administration of President William Ruto.
The he allocation, he stated ,is expected to rise further to Sh750 billion in the coming years.
“We are investing heavily in education because it is the foundation of the country’s future,” he said.
The Deputy President credited President Ruto’s administration for streamlining the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, saying reforms undertaken by the government have strengthened learning institutions across the country.
Kitutu Chache North MP Japhet Nyakundi who played host said the Gusii region has benefited from road projects worth Sh4.4 billion under President Ruto’s administration.
“As a community, we support leaders who champion development. We cannot follow leaders who do not help our people achieve progress,” Nyakundi said.
The legislator appealed to the national government to fund the construction of a borehole for a local school and the upgrading of the Geturi–Nyagoto road to improve transportation in the area.
Nyakundi also said the community would support Kindiki should he express interest in the presidency in future.
“As UDA Treasurer, I will not engage in politics of division and losses,” he added.
Separately, the MP urged security agencies to expedite investigations into the killing of Rachael Wandeto, who was allegedly attacked over claims that she had a tattoo associated with President Ruto.
Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo said the Gusii community still holds great respect for the Head of State.
Woman Representative Doris Donya urged residents to support leaders who deliver development projects instead of engaging in “empty rhetoric.”
“My decision to stand with President Ruto is informed by the development projects he has initiated for our people,” she said.
Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku said the current administration had undertaken more infrastructure projects than previous governments.
Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri said the Gusii community values leaders who prioritize development.
Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi expressed concern over the rising cases of killings targeting women and children across the country.
“This should not be accepted. The government must treat these killings as a national emergency,” Ms Momanyi said.
She cited the recent killing of a young woman in Nyamira allegedly by a male suspect, calling for swift justice and enhanced protection for vulnerable groups.
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