Deputy President Kithure Kindiki launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting division and attempting to lecture others on matters he does not understand.
Kindiki dismissed criticism directed at him by Gachagua on Tuesday evening, saying he would not be distracted from his work despite repeated attacks from his predecessor.
The Deputy President appeared particularly irritated by suggestions that he did not understand constitutional matters, reminding his critics of his long career as a constitutional lawyer and academic.
“I hear you want to teach me Constitutional Law and that you doubt my understanding not just of the Constitution of Kenya but of more than one hundred constitutions that I started studying many years ago,” Kindiki said.
He then revived allegations that have become a recurring feature in the public fallout between the two leaders, claiming Gachagua was once implicated in the theft of relief food meant for vulnerable Kenyans.
“Are you really looking for an intellectual challenge?” Kindiki posed before launching into a broader criticism of Gachagua’s leadership record.
Without mentioning him directly, the Deputy President accused his rival of embracing insults, division and ethnic politics, saying such conduct had done more harm than good to the Mt Kenya region.
He further suggested that leaders from the region should be remembered for service, integrity and excellence rather than endless political confrontations.
The remarks come amid escalating political tensions between the two leaders following Gachagua’s impeachment and Kindiki’s rise to the Deputy Presidency.
In recent weeks, Gachagua has intensified attacks on the Kenya Kwanza administration and has emerged as one of President William Ruto’s fiercest critics.
Kindiki, on the other hand, has taken a more aggressive role in defending the government and countering opposition narratives.
Despite the sharp criticism, Kindiki signalled that he was not interested in prolonging the exchange.
“Umenitafuta sana na hii kiburi yako, but at the right time I will answer you. For now niko busy, I won’t descend,” he said.
The latest remarks are likely to further fuel the growing political rivalry between the current and former Deputy Presidents as the battle for influence in the Mt Kenya region gathers pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.