Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Monday sent a clear warning to his political opponents: the government is not backing down ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing leaders and residents from Nyandarua County at his Karen residence, Kindiki said the Kenya Kwanza administration would face its critics at the ballot not with noise, but with results.
“Let them prepare for a political showdown,” Kindiki declared, striking a confident tone. “We’ll meet in 2027 with a record, not rhetoric.”
His remarks come amid renewed criticism from opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and others who accuse the government of betraying campaign promises.
But Kindiki, speaking firmly, said the government had stayed on course. He pointed to what he described as early signs of economic recovery—especially a stronger shilling in recent months and insisted that tangible development was reaching the grassroots.
“We’re not in office to argue with anyone,” he told the crowd. “Our focus remains on service, not political noise.”
Promises and Progress
Kindiki detailed several local projects underway in Nyandarua, including a KSh 1.6 billion rural electrification drive, new roads, and a long-delayed effort to issue title deeds in former colonial settlements.
He also cited improved coffee and tea prices, as well as subsidised fertiliser, which he said had started easing the burden on farmers. Nationally, he highlighted the construction of 400 modern markets, a flagship Kenya Kwanza promise meant to boost small-scale traders.
“These are not just campaign slogans,” Kindiki said. “I’ll personally ensure these projects are delivered.”
Defending the Record
Though tensions have been rising between the government and an emerging opposition bloc, Kindiki stayed clear of direct attacks. Still, his comments made clear that Kenya Kwanza sees the 2027 contest as a test of performance, not personalities.
“It’s easy to talk from the sidelines,” he said. “But real leadership means working through challenges and still delivering.”
Since his appointment as Deputy President last year, Kindiki has been a quieter figure on the national stage. Monday’s event was his second public consultative meeting in recent weeks a sign, perhaps, that he is stepping more directly into the political arena as pressure builds.
Present at the meeting were several Nyandarua MPs, including Woman Representative Faith Gitau, Kinangop’s Kwenya Thuku, Oljororok’s Michael Muchira, and George Gachagua of Ndaragwa. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah also attended.
Apologies were noted from Olkalau MP David Kiharau and several other national lawmakers.
A Growing Opposition
Kindiki’s comments follow a series of high-profile moves by opposition leaders seeking to reframe the political conversation ahead of 2027. Former Deputy President Gachagua ,impeached in October has teamed up with veteran figures like Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka to form a new opposition alliance.
That alliance is still coalescing, but their rhetoric has sharpened, accusing President William Ruto’s government of economic mismanagement and authoritarian behaviour.
Still, Kindiki believes time will tell.
“We ask Kenyans for patience,” he said. “Good things take time but we’re on the right path.”
Whether voters agree will become clearer as the next election draws near. For now, both government and opposition are laying their cards on the table. And from the look of it, the fight for 2027 has already begun.
