Kithure Kindiki Launches Fierce Attack on Rigathi Gachagua: ‘Your Emptiness and Incompetence’

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a blistering attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of political incompetence, greed and attempting to undermine the government they helped form.

Kindiki made the remarks in a strongly worded social media post directly addressing Gachagua, in which he dismissed the former Deputy President's criticism of his voice and questioned his record in public service and politics.

“Mr Rigathi, 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 did not spare Gachagua as he revisited his political career, from his time in the public service to his tenure as Mathira MP and eventual rise to the country's second-highest office.

“A disgraceful exit from public service as a DO, a most unremarkable WANTAM as Mathira MP, and your wasted two years as Deputy President seems not to have made any impact on your deplorable behaviour,” Kindiki said.

Kindiki revisits Gachagua's rise to Deputy President

Kindiki also accused Gachagua of using political pressure to secure the position of running mate ahead of the 2022 General Election.

“You joined our team after you were charged with theft of public funds,” Kindiki alleged.

He further claimed that Gachagua “threatened your way into being named a running mate” by organising demonstrations in Mathira to pressure the party leadership.

The allegations form part of Kindiki's broader criticism of Gachagua's political conduct and his eventual fallout with President William Ruto and other senior figures in the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“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.

Gachagua was removed from the office of Deputy President in October 2024 following an impeachment process that deepened an already public political rift between him and President Ruto.

Kindiki denies interfering with Gachagua

The current Deputy President also pushed back against claims that he interfered with Gachagua's responsibilities while serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary.

Kindiki said he deliberately avoided political battles during Gachagua's tenure and instead concentrated on national security.

“As Interior Minister during the two years of your colourless tenure, I never involved myself in politics even for a day,” he said.

“I wasn’t bothered with your activities, so stop lying that I overruled you in matters alcohol that you were purportedly resolving.”

Kindiki said his priorities at the Interior Ministry were focused on combating insecurity across the country.

“I was focused on protecting Kenya from bandits, terrorists and criminals,” he said.

He then contrasted his role with what he alleged Gachagua was doing while serving as Deputy President, accusing him of “building hotels, acquiring land and inciting people against the same Government that you were serving as Deputy President.”

The allegations were presented by Kindiki as part of his explanation for the growing tensions within the Kenya Kwanza administration.

‘I tried to help you mend your relationship’

Kindiki claimed he had attempted to intervene and encourage Gachagua to repair his relationship with President Ruto and other government leaders.

“I tried to ask you to find ways of mending your relationship with your then boss and other leaders, but you ignored and dismissed me,” he said.

The Deputy President said he subsequently chose to distance himself from the dispute but refused to support what he described as efforts to undermine the administration.

“I let you be, but I refused to join you in sabotaging a Government we had formed,” Kindiki said.

According to Kindiki, he reminded Gachagua that the government's focus should remain on delivering its promises to Kenyans.

“I told you if you chose to leave, the rest of us would be left to push for the public interest which had motivated us to form Government—our roads, markets, electricity, coffee and milk prices,” he said.

Kindiki takes aim at Gachagua's Mount Kenya politics

The Deputy President also turned his attention to Gachagua's influence in the Mount Kenya region, warning that he would not allow the former Deputy President to, in his words, mislead residents through political slogans.

“You can mock my voice all you want,” Kindiki said.

“But I won’t stoop to your lowly level by trying to respond or by discussing your not so great anatomy.”

Kindiki nevertheless made it clear that he intends to challenge Gachagua's political messaging.

“Also, I will not allow you to mislead the people of Mount Kenya with your useless slogans and chants,” he said.

The Deputy President ended his statement with a defiant message directed at his former political colleague.

“I like the way you under-estimate me,” Kindiki said.

Kindiki-Gachagua rivalry

The latest exchange highlights the continuing political divisions surrounding the former and current Deputy Presidents.

Gachagua's removal from office in October 2024 marked a dramatic rupture between him and the administration he had helped establish alongside President Ruto.

Since leaving office, Gachagua has remained an outspoken critic of the government and has increasingly focused his political messaging on issues affecting the Mount Kenya region.

Kindiki, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the administration's leading defenders and has repeatedly sought to advance the government's agenda while positioning himself as a key political figure from the region.

The latest war of words could further intensify the political contest over Mount Kenya's political direction as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.