Deputy President Kithure Kindiki delivered a sharp warning to opposition leaders during a rally in Meru on Sunday, March 8, 2026, responding to recent tensions over church access and political mobilisation in the region.

Speaking to a crowd in Meru town, Kindiki addressed opposition figures linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing them of disrespect and challenging their political record.

“Niseme nisiseme, wale wageni, ambao wanatembea hapa. Mimi niliwaonya siku ile ingine, lakini bado hawakusikia. Niliwaambia mkikuja hapa Meru mkuje na nidhamu. Msilete matusi. Lakini bado hawasikii. Wanafikiri sisi ni watu wa mchezo,” he said.

Kindiki criticised Gachagua and other opposition leaders for failing to deliver development projects during their time in office.

“Wewe Rigathi, ulikuwa Deputy President. Hatukuona project yako hata moja hapa Meru. Wewe Kalonzo Musyoka, ulikuwa Vice President wa Kibaki. Hatukuona project ata moja hapa Meru county. Niseme nisiseme, hapa Meru tunajenga hospitali mpya. Itakuwa kama Kenyatta Hospital. Na imejengwa saa ile Fireman amekuwa deputy president,” he added.

He also announced a new development project in Gakoromone.

“Najitayarisha sasa kuleta contractor hapa Gakoromone. Nimepata bilioni moja ya kujenga soko ya Gakoromone. Niseme nisiseme,” Kindiki said.

Church standoff sparks tensions

The remarks follow an incident earlier on Sunday at Kaaga Methodist Church, where opposition leaders claimed police abducted Gachagua’s personal assistant during a standoff over access to a church service.

The induction of David Muthuia Mwiti as the new Bishop of Kaaga Synod in the Methodist Church in Kenya drew a large security presence, and videos shared on social media showed opposition figures confronting officers.

Caroline Karimi Muriuki, a North Imenti MP aspirant and Gachagua ally, led the opposition team challenging the security detail. She insisted she had the right to attend the church service, citing her longstanding ties to the Methodist Church.

“I am a Methodist. My father was a trustee of the Methodist Church. So when I speak, I speak from authority. I am not speaking from outside. I have been invited by Bishop David himself,” she said, showing an invitation card and WhatsApp messages confirming her attendance.

Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru supported the claim of abduction, stating”

“Even as we speak, the personal assistant to His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua has been abducted by the police. That is an abduction because even the reason of arrest is not known to us. We do not know where he has been taken.”

Kindiki’s remarks reflected both his frustration at opposition actions and a strong stance on security and development.

“Wanasifikiri tunaogopa lakini wajue hii tutam ni ya William Ruto. Bado tuko na Plan. Wapi four term ya Fireman. I’m telling you leo watatafuta brufen,” he warned.