Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has shifted from earlier Kenya Kwanza rhetoric that blamed former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration for the country’s economic woes.
Speaking in Nyeri County on Friday, February 20, Kindiki defended Uhuru, attributing the economic downturn to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic rather than policy failures.
He said the prolonged lockdown, which halted businesses, transport and other economic activities for over a year, severely disrupted livelihoods and productivity across the country.
Kindiki Makes U-Turn on Kenya Kwanza Claims Over Uhuru’s Economy. Photo: Courtesy.
Kindiki added that the sharp rise in the cost of basic commodities, including maize flour, was largely driven by the effects of the coronavirus crisis, which he maintained was beyond the former president’s control.
The Deputy President also defended Uhuru Kenyatta’s development record in the Mount Kenya region and across the country, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic forced a reallocation of resources and slowed the rollout of several projects.
He maintained that despite the challenges, the former Head of State made efforts to complete projects initiated by the late Mwai Kibaki while also launching new ones under his administration.
Kindiki cited ongoing infrastructure works, including the Kenol–Makutano road near Karatina, saying contractors had been paid and that all pending roads in the region would be finalized.
He further assured residents that President William Ruto’s administration is committed to completing projects that stalled during Uhuru’s tenure.
