NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of deliberately sidelining and humiliating his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, as Kenya Kwanza and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) move to formalise an electoral alliance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua said Ruto was subjecting Kindiki to treatment similar to what he allegedly experienced before his impeachment and removal from office, claiming the President was gradually distancing himself from his deputy while allowing political allies to publicly undermine him.
He made the remarks on Wednesday at Kipeto in Keekonyokie Ward, Kajiado West, during celebrations to honour the educational achievement of Ann Nashipae, a DCP aspirant for Woman Representative in Kajiado County.
Gachagua cites Naivasha incident
Gachagua criticised an incident at the Joint Broad-Based Alliance Parliamentary Group and Governors Retreat in Naivasha, where Ruto announced that Kenya Kwanza and ODM had agreed to work together ahead of the 2027 elections.
He claimed ODM leaders used the occasion to question Kindiki’s position as Deputy President while he was present.
“Just recently in Naivasha, while Kindiki was sitting there, President William Ruto planned to humiliate him. He told Simba Arati to stand up, and Arati said, ‘This Deputy President seat belongs to us in ODM, and if Kindiki wants it, he should join ODM,’” Gachagua said.
“Kindiki just sat there looking down.”
Gachagua questioned why Ruto would allow Kindiki’s position to be publicly discussed if the President had already decided to replace him.
“Even if he is useless, he is still someone’s husband and the father of a child. Even if he has no supporters, at least he is a human being. Why humiliate him?” he asked.
Claims Kindiki is being pushed aside
Gachagua drew parallels between Kindiki’s current position and his own experience in government, alleging that Ruto had previously used similar tactics to marginalise him before his removal.
“I saw President William Ruto doing to him exactly what he used to do to me. When walking on the red carpet, he walks with Oburu, while Kindiki is forced to walk on the grass,” Gachagua said.
He argued that Ruto does not necessarily tell a deputy when he intends to remove them, but instead gradually reduces their visibility and influence.
“You know, when President William Ruto wants to get rid of you, he does not tell you to leave; he treats you this way. Kindiki has not understood that yet,” he said.
Gachagua also recalled disagreements involving Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and economist David Ndii, claiming both had previously attempted to enter restricted red-carpet areas while he was accompanying Ruto.
He described those incidents as examples of what he considered disrespectful treatment during his tenure as deputy president.
Sympathy for Kindiki
Despite his criticism of Kindiki in the past, Gachagua said he felt sympathy for the Deputy President over what he described as public embarrassment.
“Even if he is not a good person, as a parent and a Christian, I felt sorry for him. You do not have to embarrass another man, even if you are through with him,” he said.
“Why embarrass him in front of others?”
Gachagua’s comments come amid a major political realignment within the government camp following Ruto’s announcement that Kenya Kwanza and ODM will work together as a coalition in the 2027 General Election.
Kenya Kwanza and ODM formalise alliance
Ruto announced the agreement on August 10 during the Joint Broad-Based Alliance Parliamentary Group and Governors Retreat in Naivasha.
The President said the two political formations would develop a common manifesto and jointly seek the electorate’s mandate in the 2027 election.
The emerging alliance builds on the broad-based government arrangement established between Ruto’s administration and ODM following the political upheaval of 2024.
The coalition is expected to reshape the political contest ahead of the next election, including discussions over key positions and the distribution of political responsibilities within the alliance.
