Kindiki Draws Battle Lines in Mbeere North as Showdown With Gachagua Escalates

In a rare and pointed attack at his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, Kindiki dismissed what he termed as self-appointed leadership claims, saying Mt Kenya does not have a kingpin who crowns himself. 

“I have not said this before, but let me say it today.This habit of declaring yourself the leader of Mt Kenya  who chose you?,” Kindiki told the cheering crowd at Kirie market.

Gachagua has repeatedly argued that his tenure as Deputy President automatically places him at the apex of the region’s political hierarchy. But Kindiki sharply countered the narrative, insisting that while he serves the entire nation alongside President William Ruto, he remains the de-facto leader when it comes to Mt Kenya politics.

“I am helping the President to run the country and the 47 counties, but when I am home, I am the senior-most political leader in Mt Kenya for the avoidance of doubt,” Kindiki said.

In an even more pointed jab, Kindiki declared, “Niko ndani. Uko nje na unatuambia wewe ndio kusema hapa?".

The intensifying rivalry between the two leaders has reached boiling point in the run-up to the Mbeere North by-election, with both Kindiki and Gachagua pitching camp to rally support for their respective candidates. The stakes are high, with the contest being viewed as a barometer of political influence across Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 and 2032 elections.

Kindiki has thrown his full weight behind UDA’s Leonard Muthende and has pledged to remain in the constituency until Muthende secures the seat, framing the by-election.

“Time for humiliating leaders and the people of Mbeere North is over,” he declared, urging residents to reject political manipulation and embrace what he termed as a new chapter of development-driven leadership.

On Tuesday, the DP led a series of high-energy rallies across the constituency, warning the Opposition against any attempt to cause chaos. His visible and hands-on approach is being interpreted as a demonstration of his expanding authority following his rise to the deputy presidency.

Meanwhile, Gachagua is employing an intensive door-to-door strategy in support of DCP’s Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karish. 

As both heavyweights dig in for a final showdown, Mbeere North has suddenly become the epicentre of a fierce battle for regional dominance, with the by-election morphing into a proxy war for Mt Kenya’s political soul.

Whether Kindiki’s hard-hitting declaration reshapes the region’s power matrix remains to be seen  but one thing is clear,the Mbeere North race has become more than just a vote. It is a test of influence, loyalty, and the future direction of Mt Kenya politics.