Deputy President Kindiki Kithure has firmly ruled out the possibility of Kenya returning to political violence, even as tensions rise ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a response to recent remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kindiki said the country had permanently turned the page on the post-election chaos of 2007-2008.
“Kenya will never return to political violence. Not in 2027, not at any other time in future,” Kindiki declared.
“Our country learnt hard and painful lessons from the 2007/2008 post-election violence. Never again.”
Kindiki, who also serves as Deputy Party Leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), emphasized that future elections must be contests of ideas, not intimidation.
“Henceforth, Kenya’s leadership contests will revolve around who has better ideas to transform the country,” he said.
“The debate cannot be about the fear-mongering of desperate, vengeful, thoughtless and pretentious leaders.”
Kindiki React on Gachagua’s Remarks on 2027 election
His comments come in the wake of a stark warning from Gachagua, who suggested that any attempts to manipulate the 2027 election could trigger unrest worse than the violence that left more than 1,000 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands in 2007-08.
Speaking during an interview on Obinna TV on Friday, May 16, Gachagua dismissed allegations that a so-called “deep state” could interfere in the polls, asserting that recent reforms at the polling station level had effectively sealed loopholes for electoral fraud.
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“Even if President William Ruto appointed his close allies to head the IEBC, the margin of defeat in 2027 would be too large,” Gachagua said.
He lauded Kenya’s youth, especially Generation Z as incorruptible and politically awakened, claiming they would not fall prey to tribalism or vote-buying tactics.
“This generation is ready to vote. They’re not interested in the politics of handouts or ethnic loyalties,” Gachagua said.
Formation of Political Party
On May 15, 2025, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua officially unveiled the Democratic for the Citizens Party (DCP) at its national headquarters in Nairobi.
The launch followed his departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Positioning the DCP as a grassroots-driven movement, Gachagua emphasized that the party’s mission is to champion the interests and voices of everyday Kenyans.
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During the launch, he outlined the party’s structure, which will include several key bodies such as the National Delegates Convention (NDC), the National Governing Council (NGC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Additional organs of the party will comprise the National Management Committee (NMC), the National Elections Board (NEB), the National Assembly Caucus (NAC), the National MCA Caucus (NMC), and the Senate Caucus, among others.
Additionally, Gachagua stated that he intends to embark on a nationwide campaign to spread the message of the new party. He also revealed plans to launch the party’s manifesto soon.
“I will spend the next two years with Kenyans, travelling to every corner of our country, listening to the people. After this we shall craft our manifesto based on our needs,” added Gachagua.
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