Deputy President Kithure Kindiki/DPCS
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has alleged that his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua ignored advice that could have helped him retain his position in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Kindiki claimed he had personally advised Gachagua while serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary to maintain a good working relationship with the President, but said his advice was repeatedly disregarded.
According to Kindiki, Gachagua’s conduct while in office contributed to the events that culminated in his impeachment and removal from office.
“…and I told you, mimi sitaki kukuwa kama wewe,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President claimed he had made several attempts to advise Gachagua on how to manage his relationship with the President, but alleged the former deputy president dismissed his counsel.
“Usinifanye nitoboe siri ya vile nilijaribu kukusaidia utoke ofisini lakini ukakataa kunisikiza vile nilikuja kwako mara mingi nikiwa Waziri wa Usalama, nikakuambia kaa vizuri na Rais, kaa kwa mwaminifu kwa Rais, ndiyo kesho ukuwe kitu,” he said.
Kindiki alleged that Gachagua instead looked down on him and questioned his political and leadership experience.
“Ukanidharau ukasema mimi sijui kitu,” Kindiki claimed.
The Deputy President was speaking in Embu during the Mt Kenya East Elders Solemn Assembly, where he addressed thousands of elders from the region.
He further claimed Gachagua was now making political remarks from outside government after, according to him, failing to heed advice while he was in office.
“Sai unapiga kelele ukiwa nje,” Kindiki said.
He also appeared to comment on reports that Gachagua was consulting various opposition figures as he seeks to build a political coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Usinikusume. Naskia kuna watu unazunguka unatafutia watu viti wakue rais, sijui Kalonzo sijui nani,” he said.
Kindiki challenged Gachagua to wait for the next election rather than, in his view, seek to pressure or provoke him and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Wewe kaa na hawa watu, ngojea next year tukunyoroshe na William Ruto uende nyumbani,” he said.
The remarks are the latest public exchange between Kindiki and Gachagua, who have increasingly taken opposing political positions since Gachagua was removed from office through impeachment in October 2024.
Kindiki has emerged as one of Ruto’s key allies in the administration, while Gachagua has been touring the country to popularise the Democracy for Citizens Party and rally support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The two leaders have also differed over the political direction of the Mt Kenya region, with Gachagua seeking to consolidate support in the region while Kindiki has repeatedly called for unity and cautioned against divisive politics.
Kindiki’s latest remarks are expected to further intensify the political contest for influence in the Mt Kenya region as political parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
The alleged private discussions between the two leaders could not be independently verified. By the time of publication, Gachagua had not publicly responded to Kindiki’s remarks.