Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Monday, October 12, 2026, visited Othaya Constituency in Nyeri County, where he inspected road works and launched a major last-mile electricity connectivity project targeting households in the region. His visit focused on expanding access to electricity, improving rural transport infrastructure and promoting peaceful political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

According to reports published on October 12, Kindiki inspected the Gathunguri–Waihara–Kabebero road and launched the Kihuro–Kirio–Kianjogu Last Mile Electrification Project. The electricity initiative forms part of a wider Sh650 million programme intended to connect an additional 12,000 households across Nyeri County. The Deputy President used the occasion to highlight the government's development agenda while urging politicians to avoid inciting Kenyans against one another. He called on leaders to compete through their development records, policies and plans instead of encouraging confrontation or violence.

His visit comes at a time when political leaders are increasingly positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, making development delivery, infrastructure investment and political unity important issues in the Mount Kenya region.One of the major highlights of Kindiki's visit was the launch of the Kihuro–Kirio–Kianjogu Last Mile Electrification Project, which is expected to improve electricity access for households in the surrounding communities.

The project is part of a Sh650 million countywide electricity programme targeting 12,000 additional households across Nyeri County. The initiative is intended to extend electricity connections to communities that have not yet benefited fully from the national power distribution networkAccess to electricity is important for rural households because it can support education, small businesses, agricultural activities and the provision of essential services.

For students, electricity can provide better conditions for studying after school hours. For small-scale traders, it can create opportunities to operate businesses that require lighting, refrigeration and electrical equipment.

Farmers may also benefit indirectly from improved electricity access through opportunities to use modern equipment, improve the handling of agricultural products and explore value-added activities.The second major activity involved the inspection of the Gathunguri–Waihara–Kabebero road, which forms part of the government's wider road development programme in Nyeri County.

The road is important to residents who depend on local transport to access markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

Road infrastructure is particularly significant in agricultural areas such as Nyeri, where many households depend on farming for their livelihoods. Better roads can make it easier to transport farm produce, including coffee, tea, milk and horticultural products, to collection centres and markets.The wider government programme targets approximately 775 kilometres of roads across Nyeri County at an estimated cost of Sh45 billion. The programme covers all six constituencies: Othaya, Mathira, Mukurwe-ini, Kieni, Nyeri Town and Tetu. 

During his visit, Kindiki's inspection placed attention on the progress and delivery of infrastructure projects that are expected to improve connectivity across the county.

The government will need to ensure that road works meet the required construction standards and that contractors complete their assignments within the agreed timelines.

For residents, the most important outcomes will be improved accessibility, reduced transport difficulties and better connections between rural communities and commercial centresThe projects visited in Othaya form part of a broader development agenda that includes roads, electricity, markets, housing, healthcare and sports facilities.

Kindiki has recently used his development tours across the Mount Kenya region to highlight the government's investments in infrastructure and economic opportunities.

In Nyeri, the government has outlined plans for road construction and electricity connections alongside investments in modern markets and public facilities.

The wider electricity programme is expected to extend power access to 12,000 additional households, while the road programme aims to improve connectivity throughout the county.Beyond development, Kindiki used his visit to Othaya to deliver a strong message about political conduct ahead of the next General Election.

The Deputy President urged politicians to avoid inciting citizens and instead explain their policies, development records and plans for the future.

He argued that political competition should give Kenyans an opportunity to assess what leaders have achieved and what they intend to do if elected to public office.

In remarks reported by People Daily on October 12, Kindiki appealed for peace and urged politicians to avoid creating disorder during political activities.He said leaders should present their development achievements and future plans rather than encourage supporters to fight. 

The message comes as political activity intensifies across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political competition is an important part of a democratic system, but it should take place within the law and respect the rights of other citizens.

Kindiki's remarks placed responsibility on political leaders to ensure that their supporters do not turn disagreements into violence.Kindiki challenged politicians seeking elective positions to tell Kenyans what they had accomplished during their time in leadership.

His argument was that voters should not be influenced solely by political slogans, insults or confrontational speeches. Instead, candidates should explain the projects they have delivered, the problems they have addressed and the plans they have for their constituencies and the country.

This approach places development at the centre of political accountability.For example, residents of Othaya may want to know whether promised roads have been completed, whether electricity connections have reached their homes and whether public services have improved.

They may also want answers about employment, education, healthcare, agricultural markets and the cost of living.

By encouraging politicians to discuss these issues, Kindiki presented development performance as an important measure through which citizens can assess leadership.The visit carried practical significance for residents because it brought national government attention to local infrastructure priorities.

Electricity connectivity can help households improve their living conditions and give entrepreneurs opportunities to establish or expand businesses.

Road improvements can strengthen access to markets and essential services, especially for people living in rural settlements.Following the launch of the electricity project and the inspection of road infrastructure, residents will expect implementation to continue without unnecessary delays.

For the electrification initiative, important measures will include extending the distribution network, connecting targeted households and ensuring the resulting service is dependable.

For the road programme, residents will expect construction standards to be maintained and the completed sections to remain usable over time.Kindiki's repeated development engagements in the region have combined infrastructure inspections, public meetings and appeals for political unity.

His message in Othaya linked the government's development programme with a broader argument that leaders should be judged by their work rather than political confrontation.