"Kimbelembele": Kindiki tells how he tried to save Gachagua, ex-DP ignored him

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has revealed that he made several late-night visits to Rigathi Gachagua in an attempt to prevent his impeachment

- Kindiki says he urged Gachagua to repair his relationship with President William Ruto and remain loyal to him so he could potentially succeed him

- The deputy president claimed Gachagua dismissed his advice, with Kindiki now accusing his predecessor of believing he was always right

TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has five years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has revealed that he made several late-night visits to his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, in a bid to prevent his impeachment and repair his strained relationship with President William Ruto.

Speaking during a ceremony in Embu county, Kindiki opened up about his interactions with Gachagua before the former deputy president was removed from office in October 2024.

Kindiki said he repeatedly urged Gachagua to reconcile with Ruto and remain loyal to the president, warning him that maintaining a good relationship with the head of state could eventually position him to succeed him.

“I told you that I don't want to be like you. Do not push me into revealing the secrets of how I tried to save you from impeachment, but you did not listen to me,” Kindiki said.

“I came to your place many nights and told you to mend relations with the president, be faithful to him so that tomorrow you can also be president of the country. You despised me and told me I don't know what I'm talking about. Now you're making noise from outside,” he added.

What did Kindiki warn Gachagua about?

Kindiki suggested that his interventions were motivated by a desire to prevent the escalating differences between Gachagua and Ruto from reaching a point of no return.

He said he tried to convince Gachagua to change his approach to the president and work towards repairing their relationship.

According to the deputy president, his efforts were rejected, with Gachagua allegedly dismissing his advice.

Kindiki also appeared to take issue with Gachagua's alleged perception that he is always right, questioning how one person could believe they were the only one with the correct view.

“When you hear me call you my brother, it is not that I fear you or like you that much. I am trying to love you, but you are full of disdain. I don't know what kind of human being you are. How can one man be the only right one in the whole world?” Kindiki said.

How was Gachagua impeached?

Gachagua became the first sitting Kenyan deputy president to be impeached after the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to remove him from office in October 2024.

The impeachment motion cited several allegations, including gross misconduct, violation of the constitution and undermining the authority of the President.

The senate later upheld five of the charges, resulting in Gachagua's removal from office.

Kindiki, who had served as Interior Cabinet Secretary under Ruto, was subsequently nominated and sworn in as deputy president.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.