Gachagua accuses Kindiki of political bribery, links Embu deaths to Mt Kenya divisions

Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of using state resources and political handouts to divide the Mt Kenya region, following violence and deaths reported during a political gathering in Embu County.

In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Gachagua claimed the events at Nembure Stadium, where two people were reportedly killed and several others injured, were a consequence of what he termed political desperation and the selective distribution of money to residents.

“Your level of frustration and desperation is at a historically high level and has led you to shed innocent blood of your kinsmen in Embu today,” Gachagua said.

The former deputy president directly accused Kindiki of pursuing a plan to politically divide the Mt Kenya region into what he described as “imaginary Mt Kenya East and West,” claiming the move had been sanctioned by President William Ruto.

“We know, a fact that you cannot deny, that Mr William Ruto gave you a deadline of October 25, 2026, to divide the Mt Kenya Region into an imaginary Mt Kenya East and West. How can you divide a people united by culture and a rich history for years?” he posed.

Gachagua further alleged that money was being used to influence political support in Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, claims for which he did not provide evidence.

He alleged that residents had increasingly turned up at political meetings demanding a share of money being distributed to selected individuals.

“On realising that looted cash, which is taxpayers’ money, is being dished out selectively, the people of Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi have decided that they also need to enjoy this cash,” he said.

According to Gachagua, the confrontation at Nembure Stadium erupted after residents demanded entry into the venue and access to the alleged handouts.

“People demanded entry; they also wanted money to buy unga, pay medical bills, pay school fees and meet other needs,” he said, accusing leaders of reducing citizens to dependence on handouts instead of addressing their economic challenges.

Gachagua also accused Kindiki of ordering police to act against civilians during the unrest.

“You were heard loud and clear instructing the police to deal with wananchi. Kenyans were indiscriminately shot at, two killed and several injured,” he claimed.

He warned that attempts to politically fragment the Mt Kenya region would fail, insisting that residents remained united despite emerging political realignments.

“I have told you several times… that you cannot divide the mountain; this is an exercise in futility. It is easier to cut a Mugumo tree with a razor blade than to divide the mountain,” Gachagua said.

The DCP leader said Kenyans wanted meaningful public services rather than political handouts.

“The people of Kenya need services: good roads, clean water, education, healthcare… not handouts, tokens and bribes,” he said.

Gachagua’s claims had not been independently verified at the time of publication, and there was no immediate response from Kindiki or President Ruto to the allegations.