Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has renewed calls for Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to join the government, as he intensifies his political charm offensive in the Ukambani region.

Speaking during an economic empowerment forum in Makueni County, Kindiki said the government was keen to work with all leaders to drive development, insisting that Kalonzo, who served as Vice President between 2008 and 2013, remains a respected senior in national leadership.

“There is no enmity between Kindiki Kithure and Mr. Musyoka. He served as Vice President between 2008 and 2013 and is now the Wiper Party leader. I respect Kalonzo, who is my senior in law and is full of respect for all leaders,” said the DP.

“I will talk to him because what we want to see is the development of the Ukambani region,n like every other part of the country.”

Kindiki said the ongoing economic empowerment programmes were in line with The Plan, the Kenya Kwanza administration’s blueprint to deliver “Pesa Mfukoni” to small-scale traders and grassroots citizens.

He pointed to progress made in the region, including the long-stalled Emali–Ukia Road, which has now been funded and tendered for, with construction set to begin.

The DP also said Makueni County had received Ksh.2 billion for the last-mile electricity connections targeting 18,300 new homes. In Makueni Constituency alone, 4,300 households will be connected at a cost of Ksh.370 million.

“We are serving all Kenyans because every Kenyan pays taxes in one way or another. No region will be discriminated against in the distribution of government projects,” said Kindiki.

The deputy president, in what is now a trademark, the Kenya Kwanza leaders accused his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, of fanning instability through tribalism and division, calling on voters in the Ukambani region to support the government.

He condemned recent rhetoric claiming some communities lack shares in government, terming it unconstitutional and divisive, adding that he was only seeking to mislead Kalonzo for selfish political ends.

“It is unacceptable and unconstitutional for a leader to say any community in Kenya does not have shares in government or should not benefit from development,” the DP noted.

“We do not want Kalonzo Musyoka to be misled by those keen to destabilise the country through divisive and tribal politics.”

Kindiki, at the same time said the government’s institutional housing programme will also benefit institutions in Makueni.

This includes 2,500 hostel units at Wote Technical Training Institute at a cost of Ksh.3.3 billion, 1,500 units at KMTC Makueni Campus for Ksh.2.3 billion, and 300 units at the Makueni Agricultural Training Institute for Ksh.660 million.

“We believe our economy will grow if we enable those at the grassroots to flourish because they are the majority and play a big role in the nation’s economic growth,” he added.

The DP’s tour of Ukambani included stops in Machakos Town, Masinga, Kangundo, Yatta, Mwala, Kitui East, Kitui Central, Kitui South, Kaiti, Kilome and Makueni constituencies. He also held engagements in West Mugirango Constituency, Nyamira County.