Gachagua Alleges Ruto Is Targeting Kindiki
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of orchestrating political attacks against Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. He claimed the President wants to push Kindiki out of office through sustained political pressure.
Speaking during a media roundtable on Sunday, Gachagua alleged that leaders within the Kenya Kwanza administration had been instructed to criticise Kindiki publicly. According to him, the aim is to isolate the Deputy President politically.
“Our son from Tharaka is suffering. I know what he is going through because I experienced the same thing. I was elected and stood my ground, so people could not easily intimidate me. Even the remarks made by Junet were, according to me, influenced by Ruto,” Gachagua claimed.
He further alleged that President Ruto wants Kindiki to become frustrated and eventually resign.
Claims of a Similar Strategy
Gachagua said he faced a similar situation during his time as Deputy President. He recalled a political event in Kisumu attended by President Ruto.
According to Gachagua, leaders allied to the President criticised him at the event. He claimed they did so under the President’s instructions.
He also defended Kindiki over his silence following recent remarks by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Gachagua argued that Kindiki cannot openly criticise a fellow Cabinet member while serving in government.
Gachagua Criticises Duale
Gachagua condemned Duale’s remarks about the Kikuyu community. He argued that the Cabinet Secretary holds office because President Ruto received strong support from the Mount Kenya region.
He questioned why Duale would allegedly describe members of the Kikuyu community as “hyenas” despite their role in Ruto’s election victory.
During a public event in Mandera County, Duale spoke in Somali and made remarks that many interpreted as targeting the Kikuyu community. He claimed some members of the community believed no one else should live in Kenya before comparing them to hyenas.
Duale also criticised the administrations of former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta. He accused the two governments of neglecting the North Eastern region and denying many residents national identity cards.
Political Reactions
Duale’s remarks sparked criticism from leaders across the political divide. Those who condemned the comments included Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, and several senators from both the government and opposition.
Gachagua said that if he were still Deputy President, he would have demanded Duale’s resignation. He argued that the Cabinet Secretary’s remarks were unacceptable in a government that received overwhelming support from the community he allegedly insulted.
At the time of publication, President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale had not publicly responded to Gachagua’s allegations.
