Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a scathing attack against former DP Rigathi Gachagua over the latter’s continued criticism of President William Ruto‘s administration, months after he was removed from office through an impeachment motion.
DP Kindiki was speaking during a consultative forum with leaders and stakeholders from Tharaka Nithi County on Wednesday, January 29, when he scoffed at their political rivals over the one-term presidency notion brushing it off as unrealistic and inconsequential.
According to the Kindiki, President Ruto is among the five Kenyans who have been privileged to occupy the highest office in the land.
The second in command wondered said many leaders have tried in vain to be the president further wondering why making Ruto a one-term president could excite some leaders when he has already achieved a lot.
“I saw some guys saying how their singular motivation is to make William Ruto a one-term President. Really? And then? How can that be your motivation as a leader?” he posed.
His statement was in direct response to his predecessor Gachagua who spoke Monday during the launch of DAP-K headquarters.
Gachagua while speaking pledged to work with all Kenyans to challenge Ruto’s administration and make any chance of his re-election in the 2027 general election unlikely.
Also Read: Kindiki Recalls How Uhuru Chased Him Away without a Reason
Kindiki speaks on opposing Ruto
At the same time, DP Kindiki warned against leaders who he claimed have been paying youths to disrupt public gatherings.
“It is going to be very rough. It is not going to get easy you cannot come and incite people in burials. One has been left by their loved ones and the leaders come to bring hecklers. They also do it in weddings or an event organized by musicians, which is not their event, and take the chance and ride with it,” he said.
The second in command further said that he will not be intimidated to oppose President Ruto, noting that if he does not get a second term, he will have transformed lives in the country.
“There are some people telling me to oppose the President like a certain person. I think they are addressing the wrong person, maybe they are talking to other people not me,” Kindiki added.
“There was someone in this office and he is not here, now he is giving us ultimatums on how William Ruto will be a one term President.”
Tussle with Gachagua
The DP’s remarks come at a time when he has intensified efforts to challenge Gachagua for control of the Mt. Kenya region.
Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri has been a beehive of activities in recent days.
He has been meeting leaders from various parts of the Mt. Kenya region, Rift Valley and Kisii since his impeachment.
Kindiki appears to have intensified efforts to diminish Gachagua’s dominance and unite the region under his leadership.
Last week, the DP held consultative meetings with a section of Members of Parliament (MPs) from Murang’a and Nairobi Counties to deliberate on the implementation of priority development projects.
Besides, Kindiki also held consultative forum with leaders and stakeholders from Kajiado and Taita Taveta Counties.
Also Read: Ex-Citizen TV News Anchor Lands New Job in Kindiki’s Office
During the Taita Taveta County leaders’ meeting, the DP made a comment about the chair of the National Assembly’s Budget Committee Ndindi Nyoro which sparked criticism from a section of Murang’a County residents and leaders.
DP called out for his “Assistant chief” remarks
The DP, while praising National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah who was also present at the forum, compared his position to that of a County Commissioner.
He, however, seemed to downplay the role of the Budget Committee chair, likening it to that of an assistant chief in comparison to a County Commissioner.
“Before we proceed, I want to ask the Majority Leader, because most of the matters will require Parliamentary support and a budget. The person responsible for pushing these things is the Majority Leader. Once the President gives his approval, the Majority Leader takes over,” Kindiki said.
“As for the chair of the Budget Committee, that position holds less power. It’s like comparing an assistant chief to a County Commissioner. Kimani Ichung’wah is the County Commissioner,” he added, amid laughter.
Kindiki’s comment has sparked backlash from Murang’a leaders and residents, who have urged Kindiki to respect Nyoro.
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