Kindiki issues tough warning to political violence sponsors ahead of 2027 polls

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at Giathenge, Othaya, Nyeri on Monday /DPPSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned politicians sponsoring violence against their opponents that they will face severe consequences.

Kindiki said the government will not tolerate attacks, destruction of property or intimidation as the country approaches the 2027 general election.

He said political differences must not be used to justify violence, urging aspirants to seek votes through persuasion and peaceful competition rather than deploying gangs to disrupt their rivals’ campaigns.

“Politics is not war and we will make it extremely costly and painful for anyone who dares to promote the destruction of property and undermine peace among Kenyans,” he said.

The Deputy President spoke on Monday in Othaya constituency, Nyeri county, where he inspected development projects and addressed residents at Giathenge Shopping Centre.

He said he would take the lead in ensuring peaceful political contests in the Mt Kenya region, where competition among aspirants is intensifying ahead of the next elections.

“Politics is not a matter of life and death. This senseless goonism and violence in politics must come to an end, and it must become extremely painful for anyone who chooses it,” Kindiki said.

He cited the 1992 and 2002 General Elections, when prominent presidential contenders emerged from the region but political competition did not have to translate into violence.

The Deputy President urged leaders to allow all aspirants to present their agendas to voters, insisting that Kenyans should be free to make their choices without intimidation.

“We have had political differences in the past, but we have resolved them peacefully without hurting one another, destroying property or undermining national cohesion. We should never allow it now,” he said.

His remarks come as political alignments and succession calculations gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, with the Mt Kenya region expected to remain a key battleground.

Beyond politics, Kindiki renewed his pledge to intensify the crackdown on illicit alcohol, warning traders against selling drinks mixed with dangerous chemicals.

“We will not tolerate alcohol mixed with chemicals that endanger people’s lives. We will deal firmly and without mercy with all those selling such dangerous alcohol,” he said.

The Deputy President also highlighted ongoing government projects in Nyeri, including 775 kilometres of roads worth Sh45 billion at various stages of completion.

He said 13 modern markets were under construction, alongside the Ruringu and Othaya stadium projects, valued at Sh900 million and Sh55 million respectively.

Kindiki added that Sh650 million had been disbursed for rural electrification targeting 12,000 households during the current financial year.

He further cited investments in affordable housing, hostels and markets worth Sh17 billion, with an additional Sh5 billion in the pipeline.

The Deputy President said the government would complete the projects, arguing that residents should assess leaders based on their development record rather than political rhetoric.

“I will not come back with empty promises, I will come with fulfilled promises,” he said.

Kindiki was accompanied by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina, Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge and Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, among other leaders and government officials.