Kindiki hits back at Gachagua in fresh political clash

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a strong challenge against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of incompetence, greed, and damaging the government they helped construct. In a vehement statement on August 16, 2026, Kindiki dismissed Gachagua's recent remarks about his voice, stating that the criticism was the sole contribution the former deputy president could offer to political and policy dialogues.

"Discussing my voice is the sole contribution your lack of substance and incompetence can bring to matters of politics, policy, and leadership," Kindiki asserted. Kindiki also targeted Gachagua's political career, portraying his time as Mathira MP and Deputy President in unfavorable terms. He accused Gachagua of leveraging protests in Mathira to pressure the Kenya Kwanza leadership into appointing him as a potential running mate, and claimed Gachagua later severed ties with party members and leaders from the Mount Kenya region.

"You failed to retain the position, your avarice led you to disassociate with everyone in the party, including most leaders from the Mount Kenya Region where we both hail from," Kindiki remarked. The deputy president refuted claims that he meddled in Gachagua's attempts to tackle alcohol trade issues during his tenure. Kindiki stated that as Interior Cabinet Secretary, he concentrated on security matters, rejecting Gachagua's assertion of focusing on personal business ventures while serving as Deputy President.

"I was dedicated to safeguarding Kenya from bandits, terrorists, and criminals while you were constructing hotels, acquiring land, and inciting people against the same Government you were serving as Deputy President," Kindiki contended. Kindiki revealed he had previously sought to reconcile Gachagua with President William Ruto and other leaders, but his efforts were disregarded.

He added that he refrained from engaging in what he termed as attempts to undermine the Kenya Kwanza administration, emphasizing his commitment to the government's development objectives. "You can mock my voice all you want. But I won't stoop to your base level by attempting to respond or discussing your not so impressive anatomy," Kindiki remarked.

Kindiki also accused Gachagua of attempting to mislead people in the Mount Kenya region through political chants and slogans. "I appreciate your underestimation of me," Kindiki concluded, hinting that the political feud between the two leaders might escalate before the next political round.