Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a scathing attack on his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of failing to lobby for development projects for the Mt Kenya region while in power. Speaking during a meeting with over 3,500 grassroots leaders from Meru County at his Irunduni home in Tharaka Nithi, Kindiki dismissed Gachagua’s recent vocal advocacy for the region’s interests, terming it as insincere and politically opportunistic.
“When you were in power you did not help the community, you did not lobby for development for the region while you lobbied for other regions. Now that you are out you have become the champion for the interests of your people,” Kindiki stated.
He emphasized that leadership is judged based on tangible actions taken while in office, not rhetoric after leaving power. Kindiki insisted that Gachagua cannot now portray himself as a defender of the region when he did little to improve it during his tenure as Deputy President.
Kindiki also cautioned Mt Kenya residents against being swayed by opposition narratives that distort the government’s achievements. He attributed recent political tensions and violence in the region to leaders who incite the youth against the government, warning against a return to destructive politics.
“We have witnessed intense political rivalries in the past but there was no destruction of businesses and property. Why have we stooped this low? We cannot allow politics of incitement,” he warned.
Highlighting government successes over the last three years, Kindiki cited key programmes such as the fertilizer subsidy, better returns for farmers in tea, coffee, and milk sectors, and initiatives like affordable housing, fresh produce markets, and hostels for students. These, he said, have generated jobs and strengthened the economy.
He also pointed to the success of the universal health insurance scheme, Taifa Care, which has already enrolled 25 million Kenyans, as evidence of the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
As political tensions continue to rise in Mt Kenya, Kindiki’s remarks signal deepening rifts within the region’s leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
