DP Kithure Kindiki and a group of Kenya Kwanza MPs from the Mt Kenya region have accused former DP Rigathi Gachagua of political intimidation and dictatorial tendencies aimed at controlling the region’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

Speaking during the commissioning of the Othaya Stadium in Nyeri County, Kindiki said Gachagua, who was recently impeached and now leads his political outfit, the Democratic Conservative Party (DCP), is no longer interested in service delivery but in consolidating personal power by threatening and coercing elected leaders. 

The second-in-command said leaders from Mt Kenya who support President William Ruto will not be forced to follow Gachagua’s political path, and instead, they will remain in government to ensure development reaches the people who elected them. 

“We all know he is greedy and self-centred. He wants to command all leaders from the region and push only his interests, he must learn to respect other leaders. He doesn’t know it all. We want all leaders to work together and be given time to deliver to those who elected them. We don’t want any leader threatening everybody, including musicians. Let people work,” he said. 

Kindiki noted that while political competition is welcome, what Gachagua is doing amounts to blackmail and threats to fellow leaders who chose to stay aligned with President Ruto.  

“The focus now should be on fulfilling the promises made to the electorate and building a united leadership that delivers results,” he said. 

He made these remarks while launching the construction of the Othaya Stadium, a flagship project that was promised by President Ruto during his tour of Nyeri six weeks ago. 

 Kindiki said the project is a clear indication that Kenya Kwanza is focused on development and not empty rhetoric. The stadium is expected to be completed within four months and will include a standard football pitch (68m by 105m) with natural turf, public seating terraces with a capacity of 660 people, a VIP lounge for 50 guests with a kitchenette, and an outdoor multipurpose court for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and handball. 

“The President was here and made a promise. Today, we are here to deliver on that promise. This is how we revive the economy and keep our word, we are delivering most of what we promised, and the people can already see the progress,” he said. 

Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina, who also spoke at the event, echoed Kindiki’s sentiments, revealing that Gachagua had previously tried to coerce him into joining his political camp by threatening his re-election.  

Wainaina said he was told he would not be re-elected if he continued to support President Ruto. Despite these threats, he vowed to remain in government so he could bring meaningful development to Othaya and the larger Nyeri region. 

“He told me that I would not be elected for a second term if I did not support his camp, but even during his two years in office as Deputy President, he brought no development to Othaya. Now he wants to dictate who we should elect. I am ready to lose my seat but stay in government so I can continue to work for my people,” he said. 

Wainaina added that Kenya Kwanza leaders are committed to transforming lives and that those urging them to defect to the opposition are driven by selfish interests. He said President Ruto’s promises are already becoming a reality and that the people who voted for Kenya Kwanza deserve nothing less than honest, effective leadership. 

“I will stay in government because that’s where development comes from. I would rather lose my seat than join the opposition and watch my people suffer without basic services. We were elected to serve, not to follow anyone’s agenda,” said Kirima. 

In a recent rally held in Othaya, Gachagua lashed out at pro-Ruto leaders from the region, accusing them of betraying the mountain.  

He urged residents to treat them as political strangers who had turned their backs on their community.  

“How can you dine with those who have turned their backs on their own people? Anyone supporting the President instead of standing with the mountain is a political traitor. Invite them to Othaya if you must, but know they are guests, not your leaders. They have betrayed our struggle,” he said. 

Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga urged residents to remember Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s pivotal role in helping the late President Mwai Kibaki secure victory during a critical election, emphasizing that his contribution to the region’s political legacy should not be forgotten. 

“Let us not have short memories, Deputy President Kindiki stood firmly with Mwai Kibaki when it mattered most. As we head into the next generation of leadership, let us remember those who were with us during the toughest political battles. Loyalty and consistency must count for something,” he said.