Gakuya downplays Gachagua-Kindiki rivalry ahead of Ol Kalou face-off
By Aloys Michael, April 8, 2026Embakasi North Member of Parliament (MP) James Gakuya has downplayed the escalating political rivalry between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, terming it largely performative despite recent heated exchanges ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, during an interview on a local TV station, Gakuya suggested that the perceived hostility between the two Mt Kenya political heavyweights may not be as deep as it appears in public.
“In politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies. It may appear on camera that there is a huge political battle between Gachagua and Kindiki, but in reality, they dine together at night. At the end of the day, they remain sons of Mt. Kenya,” Gakuya said.
This comes at a time when Kindiki has intensified his attacks on Gachagua, signalling a high-stakes political confrontation in the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election in Nyandarua County.
While hosting residents from Maara, Kindiki jolted Gachagua, dismissing him as small-minded and questioning his track record in public service dating back to his time as a district officer.
“I have told him to leave me alone; I haven’t even started with him, and he does not know me. I will embarrass him. Just wait, there is more ahead,” Kindiki quipped.
Gachagua-Kindiki tiff
The DP further accused the Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) chief of engaging in primitive politics and employing what he described as bullying tactics, urging him to stop shifting blame for his political setbacks.
“Just wait, there is a by-election coming up in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua, where I will face him again with that chest-thumping pride he has; I will deal with him thoroughly so that respect can be earned,” Kindiki said.
The sharp exchange also follows a growing battle for political dominance in the Mt. Kenya region, where both leaders are seeking to consolidate influence.
Kindiki enjoys backing from a section of leaders who view him as the region’s emerging kingpin, while Gachagua is working to maintain relevance through new political alignments, including the United Alternative Government alliance.
The looming Ol Kalou by-election has become the latest battleground in this supremacy contest.
The seat fell vacant following the death of area MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, who passed away on March 29, 2026, while undergoing treatment at The Nairobi Hospital after a long battle with cancer.
Kiaraho, a three-term legislator first elected in 2013, had successfully defended his seat in the 2017 and 2022 general elections. His death has triggered a politically charged succession race, drawing national attention due to the involvement of top leaders.
A memorial service for the late MP is scheduled at Ol Kalou Stadium and is expected to be attended by President William Ruto ahead of his burial in Tigoni, Kiambu County.