Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged leaders across the country to embrace political tolerance and focus on development instead of engaging in abusive politics, saying Kenyans deserve leaders who compete through development agendas and service delivery.

Speaking at Kibuline Market in Tigania West Constituency during an inspection tour of the Kunene–Mulika Road construction project on Friday, Kindiki assured residents that the long-awaited road will be completed, promising that it will not stall again as it did during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Deputy President said the 30-kilometre road was launched during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, but construction stalled due to economic challenges brought about by the pandemic.

He said the Kenya Kwanza government has revived the project to improve transport and connect Tigania West and Tigania East through the Kunene, St. Ann, Kagaene, Machengene and Miomponi road network.

Kindiki lauded Tigania West MP, Dr John Mutunga for persistently pushing for the road’s completion, revealing that the government replaced the previous contractor after concerns were raised over delays.

The Deputy President highlighted several government interventions aimed at improving livelihoods, including the reduction of fertiliser prices from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500 a bag, subsidised dairy breeding programmes to increase milk production, and improved milk prices from Sh35 to Sh50 per litre.

He also announced plans to upgrade Meru Level Five Hospital, saying from next year residents will access advanced treatment within the county.

Commenting on politics, Kindiki challenged opposition leaders to campaign by outlining their development record instead of hurling insults.

“I will never exchange insults with any leader. We must do politics of peace, respect and development,” Kindiki said.

Kindiki assured Meru residents that the government will work with all leaders regardless of political affiliation, adding that democracy will be upheld within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party during nominations.

Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome described Kindiki as the leader who will help propel Meru and the Mt Kenya region to greater national influence while defending the government’s economic interventions, including subsidised fertiliser and maize seeds.

Mbeu Ward MCA John Muguna thanked the government for reviving the Kunene-Mulika Road, saying residents had suffered for years due to its poor condition, while Meru County Assembly Deputy Speaker Mwenda Ali pledged the Assembly’s support for Kindiki’s development agenda.

Tigania West MP, Dr John Mutunga, said President William Ruto had promised to complete the road during the campaign period and thanked Kindiki for intervening to resolve contractor challenges that had stalled the project.

By Kamanja Maeria and Brenda Gakii