Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has returned to the political battle with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, questioning the strategy that left his predecessor vulnerable to impeachment and removal from office.
Speaking at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County on Saturday, August 22, 2026, Kindiki told Mt Kenya East grassroots leaders that Gachagua should have invested more in political relationships instead of allowing divisions to grow between him and MPs and governors.
Kindiki said senior leaders need to maintain strong working relationships with other politicians because those alliances can become important when facing political challenges.
He appeared to fault Gachagua for failing to create a broad network of support, arguing that better relations with lawmakers could have made it harder for an impeachment motion against him to gain momentum.
"Saa hii, ata nikipata matatizo, ati hao mabunge watakua mbele kusema mimi nitolewe. Si nitakua mtu pumbavu kabisa..." he said.
This translates to, "Even if I were to run into trouble, MPs cannot be the ones first in line saying that I should be impeached. I would be a fool to allow that to happen."
Kindiki also used the occasion to make a pointed reference to the manner in which Gachagua lost his position.
"Unafukuzwa na watoto... watu wadogo," he said.
This translates to, "You were chased by children, very small people."
Mt. Kenya East Region; Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo and Kirinyaga Counties grassroots leaders at Kinoru Stadium, Meru on August 22, 2026.
PHOTO/DPCS
The Deputy President said his own approach to politics was different, maintaining that he understands the value of building friendships and keeping lines of communication open with other leaders.
Kindiki said he would not put himself in a position where he could easily be removed from office through an impeachment process, citing the need for political leaders to be careful about the relationships they build.
He also pushed back against claims that he contributed to Gachagua's downfall.
Kindiki said he was serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary when the impeachment process unfolded and was occupied with his responsibilities at the ministry.
"I had no hand" in the impeachment process, Kindiki said, maintaining that his focus at the time was on running the Interior Ministry and carrying out his official duties.
Gachagua was impeached by the National Assembly in October 2024, leading to his removal as Deputy President.