Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on November 8, 2024 /DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has responded to remarks made by his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, and assured Kenyans that the country is not at risk of experiencing post-election violence similar to that witnessed in 2007/08.
Though he did not mention names, Kindiki’s comments appeared to be directed at former DP Gachagua, who had earlier cautioned that unrest could occur if the 2027 elections are not conducted fairly.
Kindiki emphasised that the country learned a "painful lesson" 17 years ago and remains committed to preventing a repeat of such events during the 2027 General Election or any future polls.
Following the 2007 elections, hundreds of Kenyans lost their lives and thousands were displaced from their homes during the unrest that broke out after the disputed reelection of the late President Mwai Kibaki.
"Kenya will never return to political violence, not in 2027, not at any other time in the future. Our country learned hard and painful lessons from the 2007/2008 post-election violence. Never again," Kindiki said.
In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Deputy President said Kenyans are now more focused on electing leaders with better ideas to elevate and transform the nation.
"The debate cannot be about the fear-mongering of desperate, vengeful, thoughtless, and pretentious leaders," he added.
"Henceforth, Kenya’s leadership contests will revolve around who has better ideas to transform the country," Kindiki stated.
Gachagua, speaking during an interview on Obinna TV on Friday, May 16, 2025, warned that mismanagement of the 2027 elections could result in violence worse than that experienced in 2007/08.
"With the mood in the country, if the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there will be no country here. I want to tell you, 2007 will look like a Christmas party," he said during the interview.
He added, "I want to tell those commissioners to be Kenyans, to be patriotic, and not to attempt to force William Ruto on the people of Kenya. It will not work. The people of Kenya will not accept it. People want change, and they are ready for change."
Gachagua’s remarks have since attracted criticism from several leaders.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi described the comments as "careless" and "reckless."
"Don't bring up talks of a repeat of the 2007/2008 post-election violence. It's a history that we can never allow to repeat itself,'' he said on May 17, 2025.
