Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has claimed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ignored his advice on how to maintain a good working relationship with President William Ruto, contributing to his eventual impeachment and removal from office.
Speaking in Embu during the Mt Kenya East Elders Solemn Assembly, Kindiki said he repeatedly advised Gachagua while serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary to remain loyal to the President and avoid unnecessary political disagreements.
Kindiki Says He Tried to Help Gachagua
Kindiki claimed he made several attempts to counsel Gachagua but that the former Deputy President dismissed his advice.
“Usinifanye nitoboe siri ya vile nilijaribu kukusaidia utoke ofisini lakini ukakataa kunisikiza vile nilikuja kwako mara mingi nikiwa Waziri wa Usalama, nikakuambia kaa vizuri na Rais, kaa kwa mwaminifu kwa Rais, ndiyo kesho ukuwe kitu,” he said.
According to Kindiki, he urged Gachagua to cultivate a strong relationship with Ruto, arguing that doing so would have strengthened his position within the administration.
He said Gachagua instead disregarded his counsel and questioned his experience.
“Ukanidharau ukasema mimi sijui kitu,” Kindiki claimed.
‘I Don’t Want to Be Like You’
Kindiki suggested that Gachagua’s conduct while serving as Deputy President ultimately contributed to the political events that led to his removal.
“…and I told you, mimi sitaki kukuwa kama wewe,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President did not provide further details of the specific advice he claimed to have given Gachagua on each occasion.
Kindiki’s remarks come amid continued political rivalry between the two leaders, with Gachagua now leading the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and positioning himself as a major challenger to the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He further criticised Gachagua for making political statements from outside government after allegedly failing to heed advice while serving as Deputy President.
