Why Gachagua has softened tone on Kindiki

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked his supporters and political allies to stop attacking Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, saying he remains a son of the Mt Kenya region who should not be alienated.

Gachagua said some forces within the government had started showing disrespect towards Kindiki and warned that the Deputy President could face political challenges in future.

Speaking during a public engagement, Gachagua said he had sent a message to Kindiki through a mutual friend, urging him to remain cautious over what he described as growing political hostility within government.

"Professor, you are our son. If you get problems in the days to come, welcome back home," Gachagua said.

He claimed there are efforts being made against Kindiki by individuals seeking political advantage, particularly those eyeing the Deputy President's position.

"A lot has been planned against Kindiki. Right now, they do not see him like anybody," Gachagua claimed.

"And I have sent his friend to him and asked that he be told to be careful. The way I can see some people are talking, wanting this running mate seat, I can see danger."

Gachagua said his supporters should avoid attacking Kindiki despite their political differences, arguing that the Deputy President's current position should not prevent him from being embraced by his community.

"At the end of it all, he is still our son. If he comes back home, he should not be uncomfortable," he said.

"For now, let us not attack Kindiki, let him be. If he gets problems and returns home, we will welcome him back. If he remains on the other side, that is okay, but for now let us focus on removing this government."

The remarks mark a softer tone from Gachagua towards Kindiki, whom he replaced as President William Ruto's deputy following his impeachment in 2024.

The former deputy president has in recent months intensified efforts to consolidate support across Mt Kenya as he positions himself as a central player ahead of the 2027 general election.

Gachagua's comments come amid growing debate among political commentators over Kindiki's influence and his value to President Ruto's re-election strategy.

Some analysts have questioned whether Kindiki has managed to build sufficient grassroots support in Mt Kenya to deliver the region's vote for the Kenya Kwanza administration. 

They argue that his political influence has not yet matched the extensive grassroots networks and mobilisation capacity associated with Gachagua.

The debate intensified after the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where Gachagua's preferred candidate, Sammy Kamau of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), secured a decisive victory.

Kamau won the seat with 35,440 votes, defeating United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga, who received 5,450 votes. Wilson Kigwa of the Jubilee Party finished third with 198 votes, while Stephen Wanyoike Waithaka of the National Liberal Party (NLP) garnered 103 votes. 

Analysts have argued that the outcome highlighted the continued strength of Gachagua's grassroots mobilisation in parts of Mt Kenya, while raising questions about the government's ability to counter his influence.

The former deputy president's call for restraint against Kindiki comes as he seeks to unite Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West, two blocs that have historically played a decisive role in national elections.

Gachagua has been holding grassroots meetings across the region, engaging local leaders and supporters while pushing for greater unity among communities from counties such as Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Kiambu and Nyandarua.

Political observers say the battle for Mt Kenya's support is likely to be one of the defining contests ahead of 2027, with both government and opposition figures seeking to control the region's influential voting bloc.