Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has issued a strong caution to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, warning him that President William Ruto is merely using him for political mileage ahead of the 2027 general election. Linturi, who was sacked during the Cabinet dissolution following widespread youth-led protests last June, spoke during a church service in Rwarera, Meru County, on Sunday.
Appearing alongside key allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Linturi accused Ruto of a pattern of political betrayal, particularly targeting leaders from the vote-rich Mt Kenya region. He cited the removal of himself and former Public Service CS Justin Muturi, as well as Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024, as evidence of the President’s disregard for Mt Kenya leaders after using their support.
“Kindiki, read the signs correctly because Mt Kenya has embarked on looking for an alternative government in 2027. Don’t waste time—join us and help make Ruto a one-term president,” Linturi urged.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala echoed Linturi’s sentiments, stating that Kindiki has been sidelined in major government functions and reduced to attending low-level events. “They thought impeaching Gachagua and labelling him a tribalist would end him politically, but it has instead united the whole country behind him,” Malala asserted.
Malala also criticised the President’s failure to involve Kindiki in key policy areas previously championed by Gachagua, such as coffee reforms and the fight against alcoholism. “Kindiki is being used to cause local divisions rather than foster national development,” he said.
In addition, Malala demanded full transparency regarding the mysterious death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody and called for police to allow a planned memorial march for youth killed during last year’s anti-finance bill protests.
The remarks from Linturi and Malala underscore a growing rift within Kenya Kwanza and signal an intensifying push from Gachagua’s allies to build a formidable political force ahead of the next election.
