Kindiki Terms Gachagua a “Small Guy” as Rivalry Explodes During Mbeere North Campaigns

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has intensified his political confrontation with former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, dismissing him as a “small guy” during a fiery campaign rally in Mbeere North

Speaking on Wednesday, Kindiki revisited his role in the high-profile International Criminal Court (ICC) cases at The Hague, contrasting his political experience with that of Gachagua

The DP claimed he played a critical role more than two decades ago, defending William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta, while Gachagua was “nowhere to be seen”

Once close allies in the 2022 General Election, the two leaders have openly clashed since Gachagua’s removal from office in 2024, with Kindiki later stepping in as Deputy President

Their rivalry has since deepened, turning the upcoming Mbeere North by-election into a battleground for control of the Mt Kenya political landscape

“He is just moving around making noise he is a small guy,” Kindiki told supporters. “Over twenty years ago, I was at The Hague fighting Ocampo. We brought Ruto and Kenyatta back home. This other man was not there. He is full of arrogance. We will deal with him one way”

The war of words comes as both leaders mount intense campaigns ahead of the November 27 Mbeere North by-election

Gachagua has been conducting a door-to-door mobilisation effort in support of Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Karish, banking on his grassroots support in the region

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Kindiki, meanwhile, is championing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muriuki Wamuthende and has been leading multiple rallies across the constituency

The by-election was triggered by Geoffrey Ruku’s appointment to the Cabinet, creating a high-stakes political vacancy. With UDA and DP both fielding strong contenders, the race has drawn heightened national attention and triggered fierce competition between the two rival factions

Residents say the campaigns have become unusually heated, marked by personal attacks, political posturing, and intense voter outreach as both camps seek to cement their influence in Mt Kenya

Kindiki’s recent remarks, observers note, reflect a new combative posture as he attempts to counter Gachagua’s continued popularity in the region despite his political setbacks

The outcome of the Mbeere North contest is expected to signal the direction of future Mt Kenya politics, with both leaders keen to prove they hold the region’s backing

Writer : Mweru Mbugua