Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki faced a hostile reception during an empowerment event in Othaya, Nyeri County, as a section of the youth chanted “one term” slogans, signaling growing political tensions in the Mt. Kenya region. The slogans, shouted by a group outside the stadium’s perimeter fence, prompted a swift response from security officers who were forced to disperse the crowd. Additional police were deployed to maintain order as the event continued.
In a veiled verbal attack during his speech, Kindiki appeared to direct criticism at his predecessor and Mt. Kenya political heavyweight, Rigathi Gachagua. “Haya mambo ya viongozi kuja kutisha viongozi wengine, yakome! Lazima tuheshimiane… heshima si utumwa,” Kindiki declared, adding, “Huwezi kuja hapa nikama wewe tu ndio kiongozi unajua kila kitu… ati wewe ndio unafaa kusikizwa… kwani wewe ni Mungu?”
The remarks underscore the deepening rivalry between the two leaders, both of whom hail from Mt. Kenya and are viewed as contenders in the region’s political future. Kindiki reaffirmed the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises, despite the rising internal tensions.
Earlier, Kindiki held a meeting with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire at his Karen residence, amid speculation over a potential fallout after her recent outburst during Madaraka Day celebrations. He dismissed the rumors, emphasizing unity. “We have no differences with leaders or the people of Embu. Those trying to bring differences — we have no differences,” he said.
He also clarified that his previous engagements in Embu were not political, nor were they intended to undermine Mbarire. “Na ndio mjue tuko sawa… pokeeni salamu za my sister Cess,” he said, noting her absence was due to a meeting with the President on livestock vaccination.
Meanwhile, Kindiki addressed the controversial Cash Crops (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which had proposed removing muguka from the list of scheduled cash crops. He confirmed that the bill’s sponsor, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, has since requested the National Assembly Speaker to stand it down. This move follows public backlash and regional economic concerns surrounding muguka’s delisting.
