Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a fresh attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of using political pressure and demonstrations to secure his nomination as William Ruto’s running mate in the 2022 General Election.
Kindiki said Gachagua organised demonstrations in Mathira to pressure the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leadership into naming him as Ruto’s running mate.
“Mr Rigathi, talking about my voice is the only contribution your emptiness and incompetence can make in matters of politics, policy, and leadership,” Kindiki said.
His remarks came amid an escalating political exchange between the two leaders, who were once members of the same administration before Gachagua was removed from office in October 2024.
Kindiki, who served as Interior Cabinet Secretary during Gachagua’s tenure as Deputy President, also accused his former boss of attempting to undermine the government they had helped form.
Kindiki revisits Gachagua’s rise to power
Kindiki alleged that Gachagua’s political rise within UDA was driven by pressure rather than political consensus.
“You threatened your way into being named a running mate by organizing demos in Mathira to pressurize the party leadership to bend to your whimsical primitivism,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President also questioned Gachagua’s record in public service, describing his tenure as Mathira MP and his two years as Deputy President in sharply negative terms.
He accused Gachagua of later falling out with senior members of the ruling coalition, including leaders from the Mt Kenya region.
Kindiki also disputed Gachagua’s claims that he had interfered with his work as Interior Cabinet Secretary, saying he remained focused on security operations during the two years they served together.
“As Interior Minister during the two years of your colourless tenure, I never involved myself in politics even for a day,” Kindiki said.
He added that his focus was on protecting the country from bandits, terrorists and criminals, while accusing Gachagua of concentrating on political activities and personal investments.
Kindiki rejects claims of government sabotage
Kindiki said he had previously advised Gachagua to repair his relationship with President Ruto and other leaders in the administration.
According to Kindiki, Gachagua rejected those efforts, while he himself declined to participate in what he described as attempts to undermine the government.
“I refused to join you in sabotaging a Government we had formed,” Kindiki said.
He said he had told Gachagua that if he chose to leave the administration, other leaders would remain behind to pursue the interests that had motivated them to form the government.
Kindiki also accused Gachagua of attempting to mislead Mt Kenya voters through political slogans and chants.
“I will not allow you to mislead the people of Mount Kenya with your useless slogans and chants,” he said.
The Deputy President ended his statement by telling Gachagua that he was underestimating his political strength.
“I like the way you under-estimate me,” Kindiki said.
The remarks signal a sharpening political contest between allies of President Ruto and Gachagua as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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