Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has pushed back against Rigathi Gachagua’s objection to being called his brother, saying political disagreements cannot erase the ties that connect communities in Mt Kenya East and West.
Kindiki said his decision to address the former deputy president as “ndugu yangu” was based on the shared roots of the Kikuyu, Meru, Embu and Mbeere communities and not on personal feelings or political interests.
He spoke on Saturday at the Mt Kenya East Elders Solemn Assembly in Nembure, Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, days after Gachagua challenged him over the reference.
Gachagua had on August 9 objected to Kindiki repeatedly calling him his brother and questioned the respect shown to him by his successor, particularly in light of the circumstances surrounding his exit from the Deputy President’s office.
Kindiki, however, said he would not be guided by Gachagua on how to address him, maintaining that the decision was his to make.
“Wewe umesema vizuri nisikuite ndugu yangu. I want to tell you, Rigathi, it is not upon you to tell me how I should call you. It is not your business; it is my business,” Kindiki said.
He explained that his choice of words was informed by advice from elders who have continued to stress the common identity of the four communities.
“Sikuiti ndugu yangu kwa sababu nakupenda, sio kwa sababu nakuogopa. Nakuita ndugu yangu kwa sababu wazee wa jamii yetu ya Kikuyu, Meru, Embu na Mbeere waliniambia jamii yetu ni moja,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President said political competition should not be allowed to determine relationships between people who share the same ancestry.
“Kwa hivyo wewe ni ndugu yangu by blood, not by choice,” he said.
Kindiki was addressing an assembly organised by elders from Njuri Ncheke, Nyangi Ndiriri, Ngome, Kiama kia Muembu and Kiama kia Ma councils.
The councils brought together elders representing Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Mwea for the gathering, which focused on unity within the region and the wider country.
Kindiki said he attended after being summoned by the elders, adding that their discussions were aimed at finding ways of strengthening unity and protecting the interests of the country.
“I have honoured the summons by Mt Kenya East Council of Elders comprising Njuri Ncheke, Nyangi Ndiriri, Ngome, Kiama kia Muembu and Kiama kia Ma from Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Mwea,” he said.
The elders, according to Kindiki, agreed to promote unity among communities and support efforts that advance Kenya’s interests and development.
“We have resolved to advance the promotion of community and national unity, defend Kenya's national interest and support all interventions that anchor Kenya's development into the future,” he said.
Organisers said the gathering brought together more than 30,000 elders from across the region.
Kindiki said the elders had also taken a stand against political leadership that creates divisions, instead backing leaders who respect different communities and promote inclusion.
“A solemn assembly of more than 30,000 elders has resolved to resist divisive leadership and support the ideals that promote respect for diversity, inclusion and national unity,” he said.
The remarks come as political activity continues to intensify in the Mt Kenya region, with both camps associated with President William Ruto and Gachagua working to build support as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.