Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Thursday in Kieni, Nyeri County, cautioned politicians against inciting youths to cause violence, asserting that "politics is about ideas, not violence."

• The Kenyan government has connected 1.3 million homes to the national grid since August 2022, with a goal to connect all 15.6 million homes.
• Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, inspired by former President Kibaki, vowed to focus on development and delivering services.
• In Nyeri County, Ksh750 million has been allocated to connect an additional 9,500 homes, with Kieni Constituency receiving Ksh450 million.

By-elections held across Isiolo, Kakamega, and Embu counties on Thursday were marred by reports of violence and low voter turnout.

• Isiolo South Constituency saw a unique sibling rivalry for the Member of National Assembly seat.
• Violence and destruction of property were alleged in West Kabras ward, Kakamega County.
• The elections were necessitated by the death of an MP and resignations of MCAs. Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) oversaw the polls.

A new report from the Kenyan Ministry of Interior reveals that political violence, including disruptions to rallies and intimidation tactics, is not spontaneous but deliberately organised by political actors.

• The report indicates that political elites and operatives orchestrate violence to undermine opponents and assert control, often using methods seen in past election periods like 2007-2008 and 2017.
• Vulnerable groups, such as boda boda riders, casual labourers, and unemployed youth, are frequently recruited for these operations, often motivated by financial incentives.
• These deployments are typically pre-planned and financed, with political figures maintaining deniability while privately benefiting from the resultant instability.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasized that leadership is defined by performance, not rhetoric or violence, while commissioning an electrification project in Kieni Constituency.

• Over 1.3 million homes have been connected to the national grid nationwide since 2022.
• The Deputy President drew inspiration from former President Mwai Kibaki, advocating for a focus on service delivery.
• Nyeri County will receive over 750 million shillings for electricity connectivity supporting 9,500 homesteads as part of a universal electrification program.