Deputy President Kindiki Heckled In Othaya Amidst Growing Political Tensions

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki faced a hostile reception during an empowerment event in Othaya, Nyeri County, as a group of youths chanted “Wantam” slogans and threatened to storm the venue. Kindiki was in Othaya to commission the construction of the Othaya Modern Community Stadium, but his visit was nearly disrupted by hundreds of youths gathered outside the perimeter fence.

The youths openly heckled the Deputy President, using the popular “Wantam” chant, which has been popularized by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the Mount Kenya region. While security personnel were already present, additional police officers were deployed to maintain order as the event proceeded inside the stadium.

Kindiki Lashes Out at Intimidation Tactics

Kindiki, who has adopted a more assertive public persona recently, did not hold back in his criticism of the protestors and, by thinly veiled implication, former DP Gachagua. He accused them of resorting to intimidation tactics, particularly targeting Mount Kenya leaders allied with the Kenya Kwanza government.

“This habit of leaders intimidating others must stop. We must respect one another. Respect is not servitude,” an animated Kindiki declared. He continued, “You cannot show up acting as if you are the only leader who knows everything… that only you should be listened to. Are you God?”

While Gachagua’s name was not explicitly mentioned, Kindiki’s remarks were a clear jab at his predecessor. He accused this unnamed individual of attacking anyone who doesn’t conform to their political agenda, even extending to musicians.

“Now you are attacking everyone. You attack musicians, you attack leaders, you attack anyone who crosses your path. How do you expect the world to function if you are the only one who is popular, knowledgeable, and clever? We are all important in the eyes of God. Everyone has something to contribute to society and to progress,” Kindiki insisted.

This incident follows Kindiki’s efforts earlier on Wednesday to dispel reports of a fallout with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, after the two met at his Karen residence.

President Ruto Hails DP Kindiki As Key To Kenya’s Progress, Criticizes Gachagua

President William Ruto has lauded his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, as a vital partner in advancing the nation, praising his deep understanding of government and unwavering support.

Speaking at Meru National Park on Monday, May 26, 2025, during the launch of Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation funds, Ruto highlighted Kindiki’s instrumental role in assisting the cabinet and the presidency in implementing the government’s agenda.

“I want to thank the people of Meru for giving me this gentleman (Kithure Kindiki). Let me tell you, I now have a deputy president. He is helping me to move Kenya forward,” Ruto proudly stated. “I am very proud I have a deputy who understands government, agriculture, infrastructure, education and health, and he is supportive of the ministers and me to make sure Kenya is going forward.”

In a clear jab at his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024 and whom Ruto described as “quick to anger,” the President emphasized Kindiki’s calm demeanor and lack of tribalism.

“He does not harbour hatred, anger and tribalism and understands that the deputy president is not for the people of Meru but for the Republic of Kenya,” Ruto said. “Those people with anger, hatred and tribalism will never get anywhere in Kenya because Kenya does not belong to those kinds of people but to the united, prosperous one nation with a common destiny.”

Gachagua Impeached

Rigathi Gachagua became the first deputy president to be removed under Kenya’s revised 2010 constitution when the Senate voted to impeach him on October 17, 2024. This followed two days of hearings where Gachagua faced five out of eleven charges. The Senate session was notably disrupted when Gachagua was hospitalized with severe chest pains and was unable to testify in his defense.

Gachagua: From Senate Stand to Hospital Bed in a Flash

Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya’s Deputy President, has traded his political podium for a hospital bed. Apparently, the Senate impeachment trial was just too much for him to handle!

Senior Counsel Paul Muite, Gachagua’s legal eagle, broke the news to the Senate, much to everyone’s surprise (except maybe those who’ve been following Gachagua’s dramatic political career). Muite explained that the DP was feeling a bit under the weather and needed to take a break. A break that turned into a full-on hospital visit.

The Senate, ever the dramatic bunch, decided to suspend the trial and give Gachagua a couple of hours to recover. But the National Assembly, not wanting to miss out on all the fun, insisted that the show must go on, even without the star of the drama.

So, there you have it. Gachagua’s impeachment trial has taken a surprising turn. From heated debates to hospital beds, this political saga is full of twists and turns that would make a soap opera writer jealous. Let’s just hope Gachagua recovers quickly so we can get back to the real drama: the impeachment trial!

How MPs Voted to Impeach Gachagua

  • Votes in Favor (YES)
    Joseph Samal Lomwa, Timothy Wanyonyi, Jackson Kosgei, Samuel Chepkonga, Benjamin Lagat, Marianne Kitany, Samuel Atandi, John Walter Owino, Irene Njoki, Abdi Shurie, Florence Jematia, Joseph Makilap, Charles Kamuren, Nelson Koech, Innocent Obiri, Nolphason Obadiah, Alfah Miruka, Linet Chepkorir, Richard Cheruiyot, Richard Yegon, Charles Onchoke, Gideon Ochanda, Patrick Osero, Raphael Wanjala, Jack Wamboka, Catherine Wambilianga, Yakub Adow, Kibet Komingoi, Catherine Omanyo, Nicholas Tindi Mwale, Joseph Oyula, Rindikiri Mugambi, Moses Nguchine, Omar Mwinyi Shimbwa, Victor Koech, Paul Byego, Patrick Ntwiga, Farah Maalim, Beatrice Elachi, John Kiarie, Musa Sirma, Adan Keynan, Ngelechei Caroline, Mejjadonk Gathiru, Josses Lelmengit, Omboko Milemba, Johana Ngeno, Robert Pukose, Yakub Farah, Oundo Ojiambo, Said Buya, Kenneth Tungule, Udgoon Siyyad, Dekow Baro, Ali Wario Guyo, Kururia Njoroge, Gabriel Kagombe, Elisha Odhiambo, Robert Gichimu, Charles Gumini, Joyce Bensuda Osogo, Peter Kaluma, Daniel Karitho, Taitumu Julius, John Paul Mwirigi, Abdi Ali Abdi, Bernard Shinali, Mumina Bonaya, Bidu Tubi Mohamed, Bady Bady Twalib, George Koimburi, James Githua, Eve Obara, Titus Lotee, Leah Sankaire, Memusi Elijah, Kakuta Maimai, George Sunkuiya, Elsie Muhanda, Paul Katana, John Makali, Peter Kihungi, Fabian Kyule, Samuel Moroto, Andrew Okuome, Ronald Karauri, Gideon Kimaiyo, Beatrice Kemei, Julius Rutto, Christopher Aseka, John Wanjiku, Anne Muratha, Orero Peter, Jessica Mbalu, Mwengi Mutuse, Kimani Ichung’wah, Sunkuli Julius, Mwanyanje Gertrude, Owen Baya, Ken Chonga, Didmus Barasa, Maurice Kakai, Thuku Kwenya, Joseph Kimutai, Hillary Kiplangat, Shakeel Shabbir, Rozaah Buyu, Nimrod Mbai, Antony Kibagendi, Clive Gisairo, Konoin Brighton, Alfred Mutai, Joseph Tanui, Marwa Kitayama, Robi Mathias, Masito Fatuma, Wanyonyi Ferdinand, Abdirahman Abdi, Mohamed Abdikader, Jane Kagiri, Mwangi Kiunjuri, Sarah Korere, Stephen Wachira, Monica Muthoni, Ruweida Obo, Stanley Muthama, Felix Odiwuor, Joseph Mburu, Mishi Mboko, Innocent Mugabe, John Kiragu Chege, Protus Akuja, Dick Maungu, Nabii Nabwera, Mangale Munga, Titus Khamala, Kareke Mbiuki, Caleb Mutiso, George Aladwa, Malulu Injendi, Laura Mnyazi, Abdullaih Bashir, Umulkheir Kassim, Hussein Weytan Mohamed, Ibrahim Haro, Yussuf Adan Haji, David Kangogo, Naomi Waqo, Geoffrey Odanga, Antony Oluoch, Edwin Mugo, Kahugu Eric, Kassim Tandaza, Nabulindo Peter, Patrick Makau, Geoffrey Kariuki, Nerbart Muriuki, Kailemia Elizabeth, Fatuma Zainab, Kiborek Reuben, Phylis Bartoo, Kuria Kimani, Zamzam Mohamed, Jaldesa Waqo, Feisal Bader, Fred Kapondi, James Oyoo, Naicca Johnson, Betty Njeri Maina, Mohamed Soud, Vincent Musau, Mary Maingi, Charles Nguna, Liza Chelule, Gikaria David, Samuel Arama, Geoffrey Ekesa, Cynthia Muge, Bernard Kitur, Rebecca Tonkei, Lemanken Aramat, Agnes Pareiyo, Ole Ntutu Kitilai, Gabriel Tongoyo, Emmanuel Wangwe, George Gachagua, Martin Peters Owino, George Macharia, Guyo Adhe, Dawood Rahim, Joash Nyamache, Joshua Aduma, Mohamed Ali, Jerusha Momanyi, Gitau Faith, Okelo Jared, Zaheer Jhanda, Daniel Manduku, Tom Mboya Odege, Duncan Mathenge, Muchira Michael, Michael Wambugu, David Pkosing, Antony Kenga, Lilian Gogo, Otiende Amolo, Paul Kibet, Paul Abuor, TJ Kajwang, Kingara Simon, Sloya Clement, Caleb Amisi, Raso Dido, Pauline Lenguris, Jackson Lekumontare, Dominic Letipila, James Nyikal, Fredrick Ikana, Christine Ombaka, Peter Lochakapong, Justice Kemei, John Waluke, Francis Kipyegon, Shadrack Mwiti, Sylvanus Osoro, David Kiplagat, and many others.
  • Votes Against (NO):
    Innocent Obiri, Mejjadonk Gathiru, James Gakuya, Julius Mawathe, Pamela Njoki, Oundo Ojiambo, Martha Wangari, Gathoni Wamuchomba, George Koimburi, John Kaguchia, Joyce Kamene, Joseph Kamau, and others.
  • Absent:
    Patrick Simiyu, Babu Owino, Mark Mwenje, Joshua Kivinda, Hassan Yussuf, Oscar Sudi, Ndindi Nyoro, Paul Musyimi, Peter Mbogho, Robert Ngui, and others.

Sakaja Responds To Gachagua’s Criticism On Poor Leadership

There have been reports of friction between Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

Gachagua Vows Focus on Nairobi: During a visit to Lang’ata, Gachagua pledged to keep a closer eye on Nairobi’s development, alongside President William Ruto. He emphasized the city’s importance and vowed to ensure its progress.

“And I am going to take a keen interest in the political development in the city…because Nairobi is the capital city in Kenya and is too important to be left like that.

Mambo ya Nairobi, Rais na mimi lazima tuhakikishe inaendelea sawa, and we will do so because we are stakeholders in this city.” Gachagua said.

Read also; Jackie Matubia & Kate Actress Make Donations To Flood Victims

Sakaja Dismisses Rift: Governor Sakaja refuted claims of a disagreement with the Deputy President. He highlighted their mutual respect and different roles within the government.

“I have no differences with the deputy president. He is a senior man who is respected; he has been in politics, and even though he got us into politics after us, he came in and became popular. He is a good leader who should be respected.

Both Leaders Committed to Cooperation: Sakaja emphasized they are working well together, despite their distinct positions. Sakaja emphasized they are working well together, despite their distinct positions.

Gachagua To Attend KMTC Graduation At Nyayo Stadium Despite Recent Ban By Sports CS Ababy Namwamba

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to preside over the 92nd Kenya Medical Training College Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, December 7th, at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. This comes despite a recent ban on non-sporting activities at the stadium imposed by Sports CS Ababu Namwamba.

The graduation ceremony will see approximately 22,696 graduates join the labor market at a time when the economy is facing challenges. Recent data from the Federation of Kenya Employers indicates a loss of 70,000 jobs between October 2022 and November 2023.

CS Namwamba implemented the ban to protect the stadium’s playing surface in preparation for Kenya’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Tanzania and Uganda. This marks the first time the tournament will be hosted by three nations.

While Namwamba initially suggested relocating the Jamhuri Day celebrations due to the ban, it remains unclear if the graduation ceremony will be affected. The government has yet to announce any alternative arrangements.

The 2027 AFCON is scheduled for June and July, offering a platform to showcase African football talent and stimulate community engagement in the host countries. Despite the current economic climate, the graduation ceremony remains a significant event, celebrating the achievements of future healthcare professionals and contributing to Kenya’s workforce.

Gachagua & Mombasa Governor Trade Barbs Over Flood Response

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir are embroiled in a public dispute over the handling of the El Nino-induced floods that have ravaged parts of Mombasa County.

On Tuesday, November 21, Deputy President Gachagua visited Mombasa and publicly lambasted Governor Nassir for alleged inaction, accusing him of failing to provide adequate support to residents struggling in the aftermath of the heavy rains.

Gachagua challenged the governor to allocate funds from his own budget for immediate relief efforts, urging him to temporarily suspend other programs to prioritize the needs of the affected residents.

“We don’t want any governor to blame the national government for lack of support. Governors too have budgets, and if people are dying, what use is that money in the bank?” Gachagua asserted in Mombasa.

“They should suspend all programs and help the people with food, blankets, and medical supplies. We will go back to development once we are through with this crisis,” he added.

In response, Governor Nassir vehemently defended his administration’s actions, dismissing claims of negligence. He maintained that the County Government of Mombasa had effectively managed its disaster response using internal revenue sources and support from organizations such as the Red Cross and other NGOs.

Nassir called for an investigation into the alleged disbursement of Sh10 billion by the National Government, questioning its whereabouts and emphasizing that it did not reach the counties

Deputy President Gachagua Visits Flood-Affected Families in Kisauni

In response to the ongoing heavy rains that have ravaged various parts of Kenya, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday, November 21, visited families affected by floods in Kisauni, Mombasa County.

During his visit, Gachagua distributed relief food and non-food items to alleviate the hardships faced by these families. He affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting them in rebuilding their lives.

“The food and non-food items we flagged off will help them meet their urgent needs for sustenance,” Gachagua stated in a press release.

The Deputy President acknowledged the severity of the situation, highlighting the impact of the ongoing El-Nino rains, which have affected more than half of the country’s counties. He emphasized the government’s collaborative efforts with county officials and partners to address this pressing issue.

“We are working with Counties and partners to reduce human suffering even as we engage in lasting solutions,” Gachagua remarked, underscoring the importance of long-term mitigation strategies.

Expressing solidarity with the affected families, Gachagua shared in their pain and reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to providing support as they strive to rebuild their lives.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Gachagua emphasized the need for local authorities to expedite mitigation measures to prevent further tragedies. He cautioned that the rains are expected to persist into the first quarter of 2024.

“County Governments need to expedite mitigation measures to prevent tragedy,” Gachagua asserted.

Gachagua’s visit to Kisauni serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to supporting communities affected by natural disasters. The distribution of relief supplies and the emphasis on long-term solutions demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing El-Nino rains.

Gachagua Celebrates Wife’s Birthday With Sweet Message

Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Rigathi received a special birthday wish from her husband, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on Twitter.

Gachagua shared a poster of their photo accompanied by a beautiful write-up lauding her continued efforts to dignify the boy child.

“Happy Birthday my love! You have been my pillar of strength and the bond that holds our family together. The Nation appreciates your immense contribution, particularly in dignifying the boychild. Wishing you God’s blessings on your special day,” Gachagua wrote.

Dorcas Rigathi will be celebrating her birthday in her hometown in Ndunyu ya Chege, Gatanga in Murang’a County where she also offered a free medical camp to the locals.

The post left most netizens awed with some jumping to the comment section to send their wishes to the second lady.

The Second Lady’s birthday celebration is a reminder of the importance of family and community. It is also a reminder of the importance of giving back to those who need it most.

Gachagua Under Fire For Flaunting A Ksh 32 Million Range Rover Amidst High Cost of Living

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come under fire for showcasing his financial might while most of the populace struggles to make ends meet.

Gachagua was recently spotted in a swanky 2022 Range Rover, which has a base price of around KSh 32 million. The UK-made vehicle is the epitome of luxury and performance rolled into one.

Most Kenyans online blasted the politician for flaunting his wealth at a time when the country is struggling with a high cost of living.

“How can he buy such a car when people are struggling to put food on the table?” one Twitter user wrote.

“This is the height of insensitivity,” another user said.

“Gachagua should be ashamed of himself,” another user wrote.

The Deputy President’s expensive car purchase comes amid a string of new taxes and high fuel prices that have worsened the already high cost of living in Kenya.

Many Kenyans are struggling to make ends meet, and some have even had to resort to begging on the streets.

Gachagua’s purchase of a luxury car is a stark reminder of the widening gap between the rich and the poor in Kenya.

Gachagua Opens Door To Reconciliation With Uhuru

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said he is open to reconciling with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In an interview with the media on Saturday, Gachagua said that he has no personal animosity towards Uhuru and that he is willing to put aside their differences for the sake of the country.

“I have no problem with Uhuru Kenyatta. I am ready to meet him and talk to him,” Gachagua said. “I am not interested in fighting with him. I want to work with him to build this country.”

Gachagua’s comments come after a period of strained relations between him and Uhuru. The two fell out after Uhuru endorsed Raila Odinga for president in the 2022 elections. Gachagua, who is a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto, has been a vocal critic of Uhuru since then.

However, Gachagua said that he is now ready to put the past behind him and work with Uhuru to unite the country.

“I want to tell Kenyans that we are ready to work with Uhuru Kenyatta to unite this country,” Gachagua said. “We want to bring peace and stability to this country.”

Gachagua’s comments have been welcomed by many Kenyans who are eager to see an end to the political divisions that have plagued the country in recent years.

It remains to be seen whether Uhuru will be willing to reconcile with Gachagua. However, Gachagua’s comments are a positive step towards healing the divisions in Kenyan politics.

Deputy President Gachagua Shares Personal Story Of Overcoming Alcohol Abuse

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua shared a personal story of his past struggles with alcohol abuse on Monday, May 29. Addressing a conference on eradicating alcoholism and drug abuse in the Rift Valley region, Gachagua candidly admitted to battling excessive drinking.

“I must admit I used to drink a lot before I got saved,” Gachagua said. “And since I stopped drinking, my things have been very good.”

Gachagua said that after embracing Christianity, he successfully overcame his alcohol abuse and experienced a remarkable transformation. He attributed his success to a life free from alcohol, and he extended an invitation to those struggling with alcohol addiction, urging them to consider following his path to sobriety.

“By quitting alcohol, Kenyans can significantly improve their circumstances and unlock their true potential,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua’s story is a powerful reminder that alcohol abuse is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on individuals and families. It is also a reminder that recovery is possible, and that there is hope for those who are struggling with addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, there is help available. Please reach out to a trusted friend or family member, or call a local addiction hotline. There is no shame in asking for help, and it could be the best decision you ever make.