Gachagua, Kindiki exchange words as DP denies bribery allegations over Embu chaos

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has responded to allegations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that bribery played a role in the unrest seen at a political gathering in Embu. Kindiki lashed out at Gachagua on Sunday, urging him to cease insulting the people of Mt Kenya and reject the notion that financial incentives could sway their actions.

"Nobody can bribe them to act against their will. No mountain will be split, perhaps in your wicked fantasies," Kindiki remarked. The Deputy President affirmed that the GEMA community remains cohesive, asserting that neither he nor Gachagua were responsible for that solidarity. "Me and you found the GEMA united, and it will remain united, and you have the capacity to unite nothing.

Meet at the BALLOT, it has its ways of staying intact. Tafuta sera," Kindiki said. Kindiki also accused Gachagua of attempting to trap him by staging political disputes involving others. "Focus on your trap-making agenda, wachana na FAYA MAN. Hata sijaanza…. You will quickly understand how foolish it was to bring your conflicts with others to me," he added.

Gachagua's accusations arose after he claimed that the arrest of Embu MP Gitonga Mukunji was being considered due to the violent incidents that occurred during a political meeting in Embu. Gachagua accused Kindiki and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire of employing police officers to threaten Mukunji following the clashes between police and the public.

In a statement on September 13, 2026, Gachagua stated that police officers had been stationed near Mukunji's residence with orders to detain him. He also alleged that Kindiki had sent Mukunji a threatening WhatsApp message concerning potential repercussions for the incident. Gachagua contended that the government was attempting to portray Mukunji as orchestrating groups that disrupted the political meeting, while attributing the disturbances to the alleged exclusion of thousands from Nembure Stadium, the meeting's venue.

Gachagua also accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of using money and government resources to sway residents in Mt Kenya East ahead of the 2027 General Election, cautioning President William Ruto against squandering government funds in the area. "My advice to Mr William Ruto is to take his money elsewhere; what is spent in the mountain is inconsequential, just as it was in Ol Kalou," Gachagua stated.

Furthermore, Gachagua alleged that Mukunji could potentially be arrested while attending church and had enlisted lawyers to defend him in such a scenario. Gachagua warned that Mukunji's arrest could bolster opposition support in the region and advance his political prospects ahead of the 2027 elections. He urged Mukunji to remain steadfast and resist what he described as government intimidation.