DP Kindiki: We will not tolerate “lazy” contractors doing shoddy work at taxpayers expense

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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned that contractors who receive public funds but fail to deliver government projects could face arrest and prosecution. According to Citizen Digital’s October 18, 2026 report, he issued the warning in Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi County, while launching the upgrading of the Marimanti–Kibung’a–Mukuyuni Road to bitumen standards.

Kindiki alleged that some projects in the area remained unfinished despite contractors having received all payments due to them. He said contractors suspected of fraud could be prosecuted for obtaining money through false pretences. He also instructed government officers to strengthen supervision, keep themselves informed about work in their areas and ensure projects meet agreed completion schedules.

The road connects Tharaka and Imenti Central constituencies. Citizen Digital reported that it is expected to improve travel and connections while supporting trade and development in the Mt. Kenya region. Kindiki said the contractor had been instructed to avoid unnecessary delays and assured residents that additional development projects were planned. Local MPs, principal secretaries and county representatives attended the launch.

Kindiki also said the government had allocated Sh6 billion to upgrade about 515 kilometres of roads to bitumen standards, presenting the investment as part of efforts to address what he described as longstanding marginalisation. On electricity, he claimed household connections in Tharaka constituency had increased from 11 percent when President William Ruto was elected in 2022 to 40 percent. He pledged further progress over the next one to two years, noting that some other constituencies had substantially higher connection rates.