MACHAKOS, Kenya — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has declared that the government will not tolerate the use of goons to disrupt peace and public order, warning that anyone sponsoring or financing criminal gangs, regardless of political affiliation, will face the full force of the law.
Speaking on Wednesday during the official opening of the Kithimani Land Registry in Yatta Constituency, Machakos County, Kindiki said the government’s crackdown on organized political violence would target both government and opposition supporters found culpable.
“It doesn’t matter if you are supporting the opposition or you are supporting the government side, our national security and stability is paramount. We must say no to all forms of violence and the misuse of young people to transact politics,” the Deputy President said.
His remarks come amid growing concern over the emergence of organized gangs at political events and protests, with the government recently vowing to dismantle criminal networks linked to violence and destruction of property.
Politics Should Not Fuel Violence
Kindiki said Kenya must draw a clear distinction between democratic political competition and criminal activity, condemning the practice of recruiting young people to engage in violence during demonstrations.
“As a country, we must draw a clear line between politics, violence and criminal activities. We cannot mix politics with criminal acts and expect to have a country where hardworking citizens’ businesses are torched. We cannot incite young people with small handouts to burn supermarkets simply because there are demonstrations,” he said.
The Deputy President challenged opposition leaders to focus on presenting policies and development plans instead of encouraging confrontational politics.
“Those competing with us should not think they have permission to insult others, use violence, or issue threats that undermine security. We must compete on who has the best agenda for helping Kenyan youth get employment, helping women grow their businesses, and ensuring citizens have good roads. That is the competition we want,” he added.
Government Defends Development Record
During the visit, Kindiki officially opened the Kithimani Land Registry and handed over title deeds to some of the 1,300 beneficiaries, saying the facility would improve access to land services for residents who previously travelled long distances to Machakos town.
He noted that residents had incurred significant transport costs and delays while seeking land services.
“Our people of Yatta have suffered for many years. Governments have come and gone, but the people of Kithimani have had to travel all the way to Machakos to acquire title deeds, spending more than KSh1,000 on transport,” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy President inspected the ongoing construction of the Kithimani ESP Fresh Produce Market, which he said is about 60 percent complete and is expected to be finished before the end of the year.
He also highlighted several government projects underway in Machakos County, including roads, water infrastructure, electricity connectivity, affordable housing, student hostels and modern markets.
According to Kindiki, more than 517 kilometres of roads are currently under construction in the county at an estimated cost of KSh30 billion, including the Matuu–Ikombe–Gatangi Road, Matuu–Ekarakara Road and Ekarakara Bridge.
He said the National Irrigation Authority is also implementing water projects aimed at improving access to clean water across the county.
Appeal for Issue-Based Politics
The Deputy President maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration is implementing development projects across the country without discrimination based on voting patterns.
“The development taking place here is because the President believes that the people of Yatta, Machakos and the entire Ukambani region deserve roads, electricity, water, land registry services and employment opportunities like other Kenyan citizens. It does not matter who they voted for in 2022,” he said.
He urged political leaders to prepare for the next election by presenting tangible development agendas rather than relying on ethnic divisions, violence or inflammatory rhetoric.
“No leader will be defended by hatred, fights, tribalism or the division they have brought to this country. Every leader will be defended by the work they have done,” Kindiki said.
Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir, Yatta MP Robert Basil, Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo and other leaders attended the event.
