Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a direct
attack on his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, dismissing what he described as
attempts to anoint oneself as the political kingpin of the Mt Kenya region.
Kindiki, who has largely avoided publicly responding to
regional leadership debates, broke his silence on Wednesday as he addressed a
campaign rally, insisting that he is the most senior political figure in the
region.
“I have not said this, but let me address it today, this
habit of declaring yourself leader of Mt Kenya — who chose you?” Kindiki said,
in remarks directed at Gachagua.
The former DP has repeatedly stated that he is the region’s
political point man, arguing that his previous position as Deputy President
automatically places him at the top of the hierarchy.
Kindiki said his primary role is to assist President William
Ruto in managing the affairs of the nation, but made it clear that when it
comes to regional politics, he outranks those laying claim to Mt Kenya’s
political mantle.
“I am helping the president in leading the country and the
development of the whole country and the 47 counties,” he said.
“But when I am home, I am the senior-most political leader
in Mt Kenya region for the avoidance of doubt.”
In a pointed message, Kindiki added: “Niko ndani. Uko nje na
unatuambia wewe ndio kusema hapa” — loosely translating to, “I am on the inside
(government). You are outside, and yet you are telling us you are the one in
charge.”
His remarks come amid an escalating political turf war in Mt
Kenya, where various leaders have been positioning themselves as regional
spokespersons ahead of the 2027 and 2032 political cycles.
The rivalry has heightened over the last few days as they
pitch tent in Mbeere North, campaigning for their candidates ahead of the
November 27 by-elections.
The two leaders have resolved to camp in the region in
efforts to win support for their respective candidates, with the DP rallying
the residents to support UDA candidate Leo Muriuki, popularly known as
Wamuthende.
On Tuesday, Kindiki led rallies in the constituency, warning
the opposition against sponsoring chaos and staking the government's credibility
on Leo’s victory.
He is using the campaign to demonstrate his expanded
influence following his rise to the Deputy Presidency, with his direct
involvement in the contest being closely watched as a sign of his new political
responsibilities.
Gachagua, for his part, has employed a strategy of going
door to door to appeal to the constituents to consider the DCP candidate Newton
Kariuki, popularly known as Karis.
The ex-DP has criticised the campaign by his successor,
billing it as state-sponsored, further alleging the use of state resources in
the bid.
“I am with the villagers every step of the way, one by one,
home by home, village by village in a mission to liberate one nation, Kenya,”
Gachagua wrote on X, adding, “Our resources must be used strictly for the
purposes for which they were intended.”
