Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has signaled his intent to return to Meru for a more direct political confrontation with leaders aligned to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing them of arrogance and divisive rhetoric.
Speaking on Saturday during President William Ruto’s visit to Meru, Kindiki urged for a higher level of political debate in the country—one rooted in ideas, not empty slogans and personal attacks.
“Kenya deserves a superior conversation on who has the most realistic ideas for taking our nation forward,” Kindiki declared. “Those whose only message is chants about positions or who speaks louder will be swept away by an increasingly smarter, enlightened and no-nonsense public.”
Kindiki’s remarks come amid growing political tension within Kenya Kwanza, especially after Gachagua and his allies launched what appeared to be a political offensive in Meru on Friday. The Deputy President, alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, drummed up support in the region and floated anti-Ruto sentiments, including calls to limit the President to a single term.
Gachagua mocked Kindiki’s absence with chants of “Kasongo aende asiende, soprano aende asiende?”—a swipe that has since stirred political debate.
Responding to the jibes, Kindiki—speaking cautiously in the presence of President Ruto—said he would return to Meru on his own terms for a more pointed engagement. “Today I don’t want to talk much because the boss is here. But I want to come back to Meru and deal with these men,” he said. “They are testing us, thinking we are small people. They don’t know us.”
Kindiki joined President Ruto during a “meet the people” tour in Meru County after attending the 10th Annual Dairy Farmers Field Day at the Meru ASK Showground. The event brought together thousands of farmers and stakeholders in the dairy industry.
As intra-government tensions simmer, Kindiki’s warning sets the stage for a potential political showdown in Meru, as the rift between Ruto and Gachagua’s camps continues to widen ahead of the 2027 general elections.
