Stop spreading falsehoods and respect leaders, Kindiki tells Gachagua

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has cautioned his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua and his allies against “inciting” Kenyans and sowing discord in the country.

Speaking at Kamumu Full Gospel Church in Embu County on Sunday, Kindiki accused Gachagua of spreading falsehoods about the government and disrespecting leaders, warning that such actions would not be tolerated.

“Leadership is not about bragging; it’s about offering solutions. When God blesses you with an opportunity to serve and you start abusing other leaders, that is wrong. We will not allow anybody to go around inciting Kenyans and complaining about problems without offering solutions. No. We will not allow that to continue,” Kindiki said.

The deputy president further criticised Gachagua’s claims that the government had not implemented any significant development projects during its two years in office.

He accused Gachagua of failing to provide viable alternatives to address citizens’ challenges.

“In this country, we shall not allow anyone to incite Kenyans without helping them resolve their problems. We shall not allow this to continue,” Kindiki said.

Maina Njenga

During a church service in Nyeri, Gachagua alleged that the government was using former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga to sway Mt Kenya residents into supporting the administration.

“We know Mr Njenga is being directed by a senior government official. But we want to let you know that you cannot force people to like you. Maina Njenga will not help you. Why don’t you direct that energy to arrest those abducting our children?” he asked during a service at Tetu Catholic Parish.

Gachagua’s remarks followed Njenga’s declaration on December 31, 2024, pledging support for President William Ruto and vowing to challenge Gachagua’s influence in the Mt Kenya region.

Intolerant to criticism

The former deputy president further likened the current administration to the late President Daniel arap Moi’s era, accusing it of being intolerant to criticism.

“History is repeating itself. During the late 1980s and 1990s under President Moi, the government destroyed the economy and became very intolerant and dictatorial. When the people of this region started saying no, Moi unleashed terror to subdue them,” he said.

Responding to Gachagua’s criticism, Kindiki urged leaders, particularly those from Mt Kenya, to show mutual respect and avoid insulting one another.

“It is wrong to disrespect leaders. If the MPs were wrong, he should have corrected them in a civilised manner,” Kindiki said, referring to Gachagua’s falling-out with Mt Kenya MPs after his impeachment.

Kindiki also condemned disruptions of political meetings, advising leaders to desist from paying goons to cause chaos.

“I will denounce anyone paying goons to cause chaos in meetings,” he said.

The deputy president urged residents of Mt Kenya to resist attempts to divide the region into East and West factions.

“Mt Kenya is one region, and we must protect our unity,” he said.