Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. /FILE
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a scathing attack on his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of relying on "hollow threats, arrogance, and incompetence" to sustain his political relevance.
In remarks that mark the latest escalation in a war of words between the two leaders, Kindiki said: "Mr Trap Man, your brief and controversial political career has been characterised by hollow threats, arrogance, and a consistent display of incompetence."
He dismissed Gachagua’s mockery of his voice and repeated calls to vote out the Kenya Kwanza administration in 2027 as mere attempts to divert attention from critical national priorities.
"While it is clear that your intentions are to distract and derail meaningful discourse, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the solemn duty of nation-building, as mandated by the responsibilities of our office," Kindiki stated.
However, he warned that such provocations would not go unanswered.
"We will still find the time to take you head on and obliterate your petty and juvenile theatrics in the most spectacular and decisive manner. You are gravely mistaken in your assumptions," Kindiki said in a brief statement on his social media handles.
The two leaders, once seen as allies within President William Ruto’s administration, have publicly clashed in recent days.
The feud intensified over the weekend when President Ruto and Kindiki toured Meru county—a visit that coincided with a parallel tour by Gachagua and several politicians aligned with the united opposition.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) in Meru, Gachagua told President Ruto not to count on the Mt Kenya region’s support in the 2027 General Election.
He accused the President of betrayal and ignoring the region’s expectations.
“I sat you down and told you that people from the mountain loved you, but they hate being betrayed,” he said.
Gachagua insisted that no amount of money could repair the political damage.
"Let me advise you for free; forget about this mountain. If you have any plan to be re-elected, in your formula and mathematics, remove the mountain because it is gone forever,” he declared.
“My brother William Ruto, I cannot help you. Don’t blame me, I'm not the cause,” Gachagua said.
On Saturday, Kindiki said he would return to Meru county alone to deal with Gachagua and his team.
“Haya madharau na kiburi yataisha, it is only a matter of time,” he said, meaning arrogance and pride will soon come to an end.
“Today I don’t want to talk much because the boss is here. I want to hold my meeting here in Meru. There are some people I see walking around with a bit of arrogance,” he said.
