By Regina Hygine
Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of orchestrating a campaign to politically isolate Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, claiming the country’s second-in-command is facing unfair treatment within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking during a media roundtable on Sunday, Gachagua alleged that President Ruto had directed leaders allied to the government to publicly criticize and undermine Kindiki in an attempt to frustrate him into resigning.
“Our son from Tharaka is suffering. I know what he is going through because I went through the same. Being that I was elected, I was tough-headed; no one could insult me,” Gachagua said.
He went on to directly accuse the President of being behind the alleged attacks on the Deputy President.
“Ruto is the one making him suffer. Ruto has told them to continue until Kindiki gets angry and resigns,” he claimed.
Gachagua alleged that Kindiki’s current situation mirrors what he experienced during his tenure as Deputy President before his impeachment. He claimed that leaders allied to President Ruto had similarly been encouraged to publicly criticize him.
The former Deputy President also defended Kindiki over recent criticism linked to remarks made by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. According to Gachagua, Kindiki is constrained by his position in government and therefore cannot openly respond.
“He cannot speak because he serves in that government,” Gachagua said, adding that the Deputy President’s silence should not be interpreted as endorsement of the remarks.
Gachagua further criticized Duale over comments that he alleged targeted the Kikuyu community, describing them as divisive and inappropriate. He said that had he still been serving as Deputy President, he would have called for Duale’s dismissal.
“I would have asked him to resign because those comments are enough to warrant dismissal,” Gachagua stated.
The DCP leader further argued that leaders from the Mt. Kenya region played a crucial role in President Ruto’s election victory and therefore deserved respect rather than political attacks.