Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has taken a jab at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of delivering zero development during his brief tenure in office.

Speaking during a consultative forum with leaders and stakeholders from his home county of Tharaka Nithi in Karen on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the second-in-command declared that Gachagua would have the hardest time justifying his track record to the people.

With evident frustration, Kindiki questioned why Gachagua and his allies were threatening President William Ruto with removal in 2027 when, in reality, leadership is determined by tangible accomplishments, not political theatrics.

He went on to compare his own tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary—serving at the same time Gachagua was Deputy President—noting that, unlike Gachagua, he had a long list of impactful contributions to the nation.

“There was terrorism, banditry, and passport reforms. I may not have done everything, but I can confidently point to at least three key achievements. Wale tutashindana nao—including my brother who was here—must be ready to account for their work. He was Deputy President for two years; let him tell us what he did for Kenya’s 47 counties, including Tharaka Nithi.”

Political battle ahead

Despite initially claiming that the forum was not about politics, Kindiki launched a scathing critique of Gachagua, warning him that the road to 2027 would not be as smooth as he might expect.

He asserted that Gachagua would face immense pressure to showcase the roads, dams, and development projects he had spearheaded before expecting to earn a fresh mandate from the people.

The former Tharaka Nithi senator vowed to set the standard for leadership by presenting his achievements year after year, exposing leaders who thrive on rhetoric yet have nothing tangible to show.

“He will have to tell us what he accomplished in those two years. Mimi nimesema every year I will account for my work. Yeye atasema every year he pushed for this road, that he initiated that dam. Hapo tutashindana. It won’t be a walk in the park—it will be a battle.”

Incitement

While addressing the county leaders, who included Governor Muthomi Njuki, his deputy Nyaga Muisraeli, and former Tharaka Nithi Governor Samuel Mbae Ragwa, Kindiki accused Gachagua of abandoning meaningful leadership in favor of inciting the public.

He claimed that Gachagua had turned event-hopping into his new political strategy, showing up uninvited at every gathering—not to add value, but to stir chaos and pit Kenyans against President William Ruto.

Kindiki then issued a stern warning, stating that such reckless behavior would no longer be tolerated.

He emphasized that the values Gachagua was displaying did not reflect those of the central region, which has never been a breeding ground for violence.

“You cannot come to incite people in burials. Mtu amefiwa na loved one unaleta vijana hapo kupiga kelele. That habit is dangerous. Sijui kwa wedding ama musician ameunda event unandandia. Very bad habit. The area where I am born, hii area ya Central, we are not known for violence. Those behaviors were elsewhere. And I’m speaking as the immediate Minister of Interior.“