No Time for Politics! Kindiki Storms Nyeri, Takes on Gachagua in His Own Turf

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Friday took a direct swipe at his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, urging him to drop political battles for the sake of Mt. Kenya’s development.

In a bold move, Kindiki became the first high-ranking government official to visit Gachagua’s home county of Nyeri since the former DP’s impeachment. Addressing residents, he called for an end to the heightened political tensions, which Kenya Kwanza loyalists claim are derailing progress.

Speaking during the inspection of the Endarasha-Watuka road upgrade and the launch of a last-mile electricity connectivity project under REREC in Kieni Constituency, Kindiki made it clear:

“Kwa sasa hivi serikali inajihusisha kwa mambo ya kutatua mashida ya Wakenya… hatuna wakati wa ugomvi, vita kwa sasa.”
(“Right now, the government is focused on solving Kenyans’ problems… we don’t have time for fights and conflicts.”)

The visit, widely seen as a strategic move ahead of President William Ruto’s imminent return to Nyeri, came with major development pledges—Ksh.17 billion for road infrastructure and Ksh.8.7 billion for last-mile electricity connections in Mt. Kenya.

“Wakati wa siasa ukifika si tutapiga siasa? There’s no point in engaging in politics right now… because if we do, wananchi will suffer,” Kindiki stated.

Notably, key Gachagua allies—including Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, and Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto—skipped the event, raising eyebrows.

As Kindiki wrapped up his speech, he threw one final jab at his critics:

“Tuendelee na mambo ya maendeleo ama tuwachane nayo? Kuna watu walikuwa wanataka tuwachane na kazi tupige siasa.”
(“Should we focus on development or abandon it? Some people wanted us to drop our work and play politics.”)

With Kindiki making bold inroads in Gachagua’s stronghold, the battle for Mt. Kenya’s political dominance is only heating up.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.