Gachagua Tells Kindiki: ‘Don’t Call Me Your Brother’

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, of failing to respect him after he left office, rejecting Kindiki’s description of him as a brother.

Speaking at the weekend, Mr Gachagua said their relationship deteriorated after his departure from government and questioned Kindiki’s earlier claims that he respected and admired him.

“I respected you when you were in the office; we fell apart when I got out and he told me to leave. When I left, were you not the one who removed me? Now let me ask you, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, how did you respect me?” he asked.

Mr Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), told Kindiki to concentrate on his responsibilities as Deputy President and stop referring to him as a brother.

“Even if you are facing problems there, remain there; do not call me your brother,” he said.

He also raised concerns about increasing alcohol abuse among young people, describing the problem as a threat to the country’s future generation.

“I am getting disturbing reports on alcohol abuse among our youths. They cost me sleep; it is finishing our youths. I was helping our community battle alcohol abuse, but I was fought,” Mr Gachagua said.

His remarks came days after Kindiki urged him to moderate his criticism and avoid what he described as disrespectful conduct.

“Come slowly; at this point we don’t want disrespect, and we do not have any problem with anyone. Come and speak your agenda and leave because we are not rogue people, but do not continue with that disrespect,” Kindiki said.

On Sunday, Kindiki turned to political divisions in the Mt Kenya region and called for greater unity. He said political competition should not divide the community or threaten national peace.

“I humbly appeal to you that we should be people who tolerate one another. Even if we have small political differences here at home, we should not use those differences to disrupt the peace of our community and the peace of the nation,” he told supporters.

Kindiki also urged residents to avoid insults, violence and the destruction of property during political contests. He said those who lose elections would have other opportunities to seek leadership.

The disagreement between Gachagua and Kindiki comes as both figures seek to strengthen their political positions in the Mt Kenya region. Gachagua has increasingly criticised the government since leaving office, while Kindiki has called for respect, unity and stability as he serves as Deputy President.