Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at Mitaboni, Kathiani County. Photo Courtesy 
By Virginia Siebela
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has once again defended the government's hard stance on national security, asserting that he would rather the administration lose public support and votes than compromise the safety of the country.
Speaking on Monday during a women's economic empowerment forum in Mitaboni, Kathiani Constituency, Kindiki maintained that peace and stability must remain the government's top priority, even in the face of mounting pressure from disillusioned citizens.
"We would rather be unpopular. We would rather lose votes, but we will not negotiate with anarchy. Kenya must remain secure," Kindiki said, his voice firm and emotional.
He accused certain church leaders and foreign diplomats of making statements that, he claimed, emboldened last week's Gen Z-led protests.
"Some of these leaders, both local and international, must be honest with the public. If you supported the chaos, come clean. Let the country know where you stand," he challenged.
Despite the criticism, the Deputy President acknowledged that the government is not deaf to the frustrations of the youth. He cited corruption and the continued dominance of aged leaders in government as some of the key grievances driving the unrest.
"We have heard the youth loud and clear. They are tired of corruption. They are questioning why, in a country so full of potential, old men still call all the shots. We are addressing those concerns," he assured.
Kindiki emphasized that while peaceful protests are a constitutional right, violence, looting, and human rights abuses—such as reported incidents of rape and police brutality—would not be condoned.
"You cannot burn courts, attack police stations, loot businesses, and expect no consequences. That is not protest. That is criminality," he said.
In a show of legislative support, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who also attended the event, threw his weight behind a proposed bill that seeks to tighten regulations around public demonstrations.
Ichung’wah called on the Ministry of Interior to expedite the drafting of the bill, which he said would ensure protest organizers are held personally liable for any destruction or violence that occurs.
"If you call people to the streets, you must also be ready to take responsibility for what happens there. Freedom must come with accountability," he stated.
Several Ukambani leaders who accompanied the Deputy President took the opportunity to criticize Former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of fanning tribal divisions.
The Monday's event marked the final stop in Kindiki’s month-long tour of the Ukambani region, which has focused on enhancing women’s economic empowerment initiatives in preparation for President William Ruto’s expected visit to the region in July.
