Kindiki Takes Aim at Gachagua, Says Political Isolation Led to His Impeachment

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has intensified his criticism of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, arguing that political isolation contributed significantly to his impeachment and removal from office.

Speaking to Mt Kenya East grassroots leaders at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County on Saturday, Kindiki said Gachagua should have worked harder to build relationships across the political divide, particularly with Members of Parliament and governors.

Kindiki suggested that stronger political alliances could have provided Gachagua with greater protection when attempts to remove him from office emerged.

Kindiki Criticises Gachagua's Political Strategy

The Deputy President said politicians must understand the importance of building relationships and maintaining support across different political institutions.

In a strongly worded remark, Kindiki described Gachagua as a “fool” for allowing himself to become vulnerable to impeachment.

He argued that he would not put himself in a political position where MPs could easily mobilise against him.

Kindiki also said Gachagua was removed by relatively junior political figures, describing them as “children” and “very small people.”

The remarks represent a fresh escalation in the political differences between the two leaders, who served together in President William Ruto's administration before Gachagua's removal.

Denies Role in Gachagua's Ouster

Kindiki also rejected suggestions that he played a role in the political process that resulted in Gachagua's removal.

He said that at the time, he was serving as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration and was focused on carrying out his responsibilities in the ministry.

The Deputy President maintained that he had no involvement in the impeachment process.

Gachagua's Impeachment

Gachagua was impeached by the National Assembly in October 2024, before the Senate subsequently upheld the impeachment, resulting in his removal from the office of Deputy President.

He became the first Kenyan deputy president to be removed through impeachment.

The political fallout surrounding his removal has continued to influence politics in the Mt Kenya region, where both Gachagua and the Kenya Kwanza administration have sought to maintain political support.

Kindiki's latest remarks appear aimed at reinforcing his own political standing in the region while highlighting what he considers lessons from Gachagua's tenure.

For Kindiki, the message is clear: political survival requires alliances, relationships and the ability to maintain support across Parliament and other centres of political power.