NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a fresh attack on his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of losing his position through political miscalculations and warning against what he described as immature political attacks.
Kindiki made the remarks on Friday, August 21, as he escalated his criticism of Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and is positioning the party as a vehicle for the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Deputy President accused Gachagua of failing to protect his position after securing what he described as a powerful government post.
“Gachagua took some shortcuts and managed to get a big job but lost it because he did not know how to safeguard it. You are given a big job only to be sent away like a stupid person,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki also suggested that he would take steps to protect his own position and avoid the political confrontation that preceded Gachagua’s removal from office.
“I am the DP. Do you think that anyone can remove me from my seat? It is not possible because I will defend myself,” he said.
Kindiki hits back at ‘Soprano’ jibes
The Deputy President’s remarks followed repeated attacks by Gachagua, who has mocked Kindiki over his high-pitched voice and referred to him as “Soprano” during political engagements.
Kindiki dismissed the nickname as childish behaviour and challenged Gachagua to focus on his political agenda instead of personal attacks.
“I hear someone calling me ‘Soprano’. He is useless and has no idea how to better our country. His only work is to give nicknames, which is the behaviour of pupils in Grade 3 and Grade 5,” Kindiki said.
He further criticised political insults based on physical characteristics, saying he would not respond in the same manner.
“If we start insulting each other based on how people were created, some of these people, you know how they look, will hide themselves in shame,” he added.
Kindiki said he would not lower himself to Gachagua’s level despite the continued exchanges between the two politicians.
Gachagua’s political comeback
The latest confrontation comes as Gachagua continues to build the DCP as a political force ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former Deputy President was removed from office following an impeachment process in October 2024 after a prolonged fallout with President William Ruto’s administration.
He has since emerged as one of the administration’s most vocal critics and has accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises while attempting to weaken the political influence of the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua has also been engaging opposition figures as political parties explore possible alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
His recent political activities have included rallies and meetings with leaders from across the opposition spectrum, while his allies have positioned DCP as a potential vehicle for consolidating Mt Kenya’s political support.
Kindiki rallies UDA grassroots officials
Kindiki’s latest remarks came as he met about 15,000 elected UDA grassroots officials from Tharaka Nithi County.
The Deputy President commissioned the officials to defend the ruling party and government as Kenya moves into the election period.
He said the grassroots officials would play a frontline role in explaining the government’s record and implementation of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) manifesto.
The mobilisation underscores the growing political competition within and around the Mt Kenya region as parties prepare for the 2027 General Election.
While Kindiki has maintained his support for President Ruto and the UDA administration, Gachagua has increasingly sought to rally the region around his new political outfit.
The increasingly personal exchanges between the two former colleagues are therefore unfolding against a wider battle for political influence, particularly in central Kenya.
Personal attacks deepen political rivalry
Kindiki’s latest comments add to an increasingly heated political contest between the two men, who served together at the top of President Ruto’s administration before their political relationship deteriorated.
Gachagua has repeatedly criticised the Deputy President’s leadership and mocked his voice at political gatherings, while Kindiki has responded by questioning Gachagua’s political judgement and record in government.
