Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki used an alleged Ksh350 million fund to advance political activities in Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi counties.
In a statement shared on his social media accounts on September 12, Gachagua linked the alleged fund to chaos that erupted during Kindiki’s meeting at Nembure Stadium in Embu County.
“We know that at your disposal is KSh350 million given to you by the Nithi Bridge contractor, under the instructions of Mr William Ruto, to politically zone the people of Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president accused Kindiki of spearheading a political campaign to split Mt Kenya into what he described as Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Gachagua, residents learned of the alleged cash handouts and turned up in large numbers at the Embu event, expecting to benefit from the money.
He claimed many who tried to gain access to the venue were seeking financial assistance to buy food, pay school fees, settle medical bills, and meet other household needs.
The former deputy president further alleged that Kindiki had been moving across the three counties for months, holding meetings and distributing money to selected groups.
He claimed the crowds in Embu were driven by expectations that money would be shared at the event, adding that residents could not be blamed for seeking a share of what he termed taxpayers’ money.
Excessive Force During Chaos
Gachagua also accused security officers of using excessive force against members of the public during the incident at Nembure Stadium.
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He alleged that police shot at residents who had gathered at the venue and claimed that two people were killed while several others suffered injuries during the confrontation.
The former deputy president said leaders should focus on addressing the economic challenges facing Kenyans instead of relying on handouts to build political support.
He argued that many families were struggling with the high cost of living and could not meet basic needs, making them vulnerable to political influence through cash donations.
Gachagua further claimed that senior government officials created conditions that pushed many Kenyans into poverty.
He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to provide effective solutions to the economic difficulties ordinary citizens face.
Gachagua on Mt Kenya Division
Gachagua maintained that efforts to divide the Mt Kenya region along political lines would not succeed because communities in the area share a common history, culture and long-standing social ties.
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He said residents of Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties remained united despite political differences and would not be separated by political interests.
“I have told you several times, and it is in the public domain, that you cannot divide the mountain; this is an exercise in futility. It is easier to cut a Mugumo tree with a razor blade than to divide the mountain,” Gachagua stated.
The former deputy president urged leaders to prioritize development projects and public services instead of political mobilization centered on money.
According to him, citizens need quality healthcare, education, clean water, better roads and economic opportunities rather than what he described as political bribery.
Gachagua also referenced the June 2024 Gen Z protests, accusing the government of failing to respect the lives of young Kenyans during demonstrations against the administration.
He concluded by calling on leaders to exercise restraint and focus on serving the public for the remainder of their term in office.
The allegations add to growing political tensions within the Mt Kenya region as rival camps intensify campaigns to win support in one of the country’s most influential voting blocs ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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