Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed attacks by his predecessor and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, advising him to “stay in his lane” and refrain from politics of division and disrespect.
The exchange follows escalating political friction over Mt. Kenya regional leadership, during which Gachagua dismissed Kindiki’s political clout and legal mind, claiming the Deputy President lacked grassroots backing (“the ground”) and was “reading the Constitution upside down” on presidential term limits.
Kindiki fired back by asserting that Gachagua’s political style is centered on “insults, division, and primitive bigotry” rather than constructive agenda-setting.
Rejecting claims that he lacks popular support in Mt. Kenya, Kindiki hosted grassroots delegations—including women and civic leaders from Meru and Tharaka Nithi—at his home, while extending an olive branch to regional leaders disgruntled by Gachagua.
Replying to Gachagua’s jab that he lacked understanding of constitutional law, Kindiki noted his extensive academic background studying over a hundred national constitutions worldwide.
Kindiki urged Gachagua to “come slowly” and avoid disrespecting current officeholders, emphasizing that election contests should not destroy regional unity or national peace.
“Umenitafuta sana na hii kiburi yako, but at the right time I will answer you. For now niko busy, I won’t descend.”
The rift between the two leaders deepened following Gachagua’s removal from office and subsequent formation of the DCP. Gachagua recently instructed Kindiki not to refer to him as “brother”, while Kindiki maintains that government delivery and unity among Mt. Kenya leaders will speak louder than political insults.
