Gachagua accuses President Ruto of humiliating Kindiki, plotting his removal

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of humiliating his deputy Prof. Kithure Kindiki, claiming the Head of State is plotting to remove his second-in-command from office.

Speaking during a DCP rally in Kipeto, Keekonyokie Ward, Kajiado West Constituency, Gachagua alleged that Ruto deliberately sidelined Kindiki during the recent broad-based retreat in Naivasha, claiming that the DP was made to sit away from the main dais.

He claimed the move was part of an attempt to weaken Kindiki politically and eventually replace him with an opposition figure.

“Juzi walikua hapo Naivasha, na huyu mtu wa kwetu Soprano ameketi hapo…ata kama ni Deputy President bonoko, lakini ndio ako na anakula mshahara,” Gachagua said.

He alleged that Ruto was using Kisii Governor Simba Arati after the latter reportedly challenged Kindiki to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if he wanted the Deputy President's position.

The former DP explained that his successor remained silent during the exchange and appeared uncomfortable as the position he occupies was discussed in his presence, a gesture Gachagua opines amounts to disrespect.

“Kasongo ako na madharau sana, aliamua kumuaibisha, akaambia Simba Arati aamke, naye Arati akasema hiki kiti cha DP ni chetu na kama huyu Kindiki anataka, atoke huko akuje ODM,” he said.

“Ata akisema hivi Kindiki alikuwa amekaa hapo, mpaka akaangalia chini."

The DCP chief further accused Ruto of sidelining Kindiki at public functions, claiming the Deputy President was being deliberately pushed away from the main stage.

He went ahead to say that similar treatment was meted out to him during his tenure as Deputy President, claiming he confronted individuals who attempted to exclude him from the presidential entourage, calling out President Ruto's economic adviser David Ndii during an event in Naivasha.

“Unajua Kasongo akitaka kukufukuza hakwambii uende, na Soprano hajaelewa. Mimi alijaribu kunifanyia hivo, mtu alijaribu kuingia kwa mkeka, mimi nikamgonga. Kuna huu kijana wake wa class 2 alijaribu kuingia kwa mkeka nikitembea na Kasongo nikamskuma akaanguka huko,” Gachagua said.

“David Ndii alijaribu kuingia kwa mkeka tukiwa Naivasha nikamfukuza nje."

According to Gachagua, Ruto's alleged strategy is to first sideline Kindiki before bringing in individuals from ODM to occupy political space around the presidency.

“Nataka kuambia Kindiki Kasongo akitaka kukufukuza anakutoa kwa nyasi anaweka watu wa ODM, na kisha anawatafuta kukutukana,” he said.

Gachagua, who served as Deputy President before his removal from office in 2024, said Kindiki may be unable to publicly challenge Ruto because his appointment to the position came from the President.

The DCP leader said he sympathised with Kindiki, arguing that political differences should not lead to the public humiliation of another person.

“Alikua ananifanyia hivo lakini kwa sababu mimi nilikuwa nimechaguliwa, ninamwambia wacha hayo maneno, wacha madharau. Lakini huyu mtu kwa sababu ni wa kupewa kazi hawezi kuongea; kazi yake ni yes sir, fire si fire,” he said.

“Ata kama si mtu mzuri, kama mzazi mkristo nilimwonea huruma. You don’t have to embarrass another man? Even if you are through with him and don’t want him, why do you embarrass him in front of other men? Sasa akienda kwake kuna heshima kwa boma yake?”