Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a scathing response to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he mocked his voice during a political rally, accusing his predecessor of lacking a meaningful contribution to Kenya’s political and policy debate.
In a statement, Kindiki said Gachagua’s focus on his voice demonstrated what he described as the former DP’s “emptiness and incompetence” in matters of politics, policy and leadership.
“Talking about my voice is the only contribution your emptiness and incompetence can make in matters politics, policy and leadership,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President also took aim at Gachagua’s political record, dismissing his previous positions as a District Officer, Mathira MP and Deputy President.
Kindiki described Gachagua’s time as Mathira MP as “unremarkable” and accused him of failing to change his conduct despite holding senior positions in government.
He further alleged that Gachagua joined the political team that formed the current administration after facing a case involving alleged theft of public funds. Kindiki also accused him of pressuring the party leadership to name him as a running mate by organising demonstrations in Mathira.
Gachagua has previously maintained a prominent role in Mt Kenya politics and has increasingly positioned himself as a critic of President William Ruto’s administration since his fallout with the President and subsequent removal from office.
Kindiki, however, accused his predecessor of allowing political disagreements to affect his relationship with other leaders from the Mt Kenya region.
“You were unable to keep the position, your greed led you to fall out with everyone in the party including nearly all leaders from the Mount Kenya Region where you and I come from,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President also rejected Gachagua’s claims concerning disagreements over the government’s approach to the alcohol trade. He said that, while serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary, he deliberately stayed away from politics and concentrated on security matters.
Kindiki accused Gachagua of focusing on personal interests while serving as Deputy President, alleging that he was building hotels, acquiring land and inciting people against the government he was serving.
He said he had previously encouraged Gachagua to repair his relationship with President Ruto and other leaders but claimed the advice was ignored.
Kindiki also warned that he would not allow Gachagua to mislead residents of the Mt Kenya region through what he described as “useless slogans and chants.”
Responding directly to the voice mockery, Kindiki said he would not retaliate by discussing Gachagua’s physical appearance.
“You can mock my voice all you want. But I won’t stoop to your lowly level,” he said.
Kindiki concluded his statement with a pointed warning to his political rival: “I like the way you under-estimate me.”