Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has sharply responded to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following remarks in which Gachagua allegedly issued a 10-day ultimatum over rising banditry in Meru North.
In a strongly worded statement, Kindiki dismissed the ultimatum as “empty and childish threats,” insisting that the government is already taking decisive action to address renewed insecurity in the region.
He noted that banditry in Meru North is a long-standing problem, spanning over a decade, and worsened during previous administrations.
Kindiki defended his track record, recalling his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary where he personally led security operations in the region.
He said he spent months on the ground coordinating multi-agency teams, even sleeping in bush camps, to dismantle bandit networks between 2023 and 2024.
“The Government succeeded,” Kindiki stated, adding that Gachagua did not support those efforts despite holding high office at the time. He accused his predecessor of failing to show solidarity with affected communities, claiming he never visited the region during the height of the crisis.
The Deputy President acknowledged that bandit attacks have resurfaced in recent weeks, resulting in loss of lives and livestock, but assured Kenyans that security forces will once again “crush the criminals.”
“We are not acting because of threats or ultimatums, but because it is the Government’s duty to protect lives and property,” he said.
Kindiki further challenged Gachagua to demonstrate his development record, arguing that the former DP cannot point to any significant project he championed while in office. He dismissed Gachagua’s political rhetoric as ineffective and urged him to focus on constructive engagement.
