Kindiki to Gachagua: You Can’t Dictate How I Refer to You, You’re My Brother

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has rejected former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s objection to being referred to as “ndugu yangu”, saying he will continue to use the term because of their shared heritage.

Speaking in Embu during the Mt Kenya East Elders Solemn Assembly, Kindiki told thousands of elders that his use of the term was based on the shared heritage of the Kikuyu, Meru, Embu and Mbeere communities rather than political considerations. He said Gachagua remained his brother “by blood, not by choice”.

Kindiki said elders had reminded him of the need to preserve unity among the communities and that he had attended the gathering to reinforce that message.His remarks followed Gachagua’s earlier objection to being called a brother, after relations between the two deteriorated following his removal from office. Kindiki said Gachagua had no authority to determine how he referred to him.

“It is not upon you to tell me how I should call you. It is not your business; it is my business,” he said.

More than 30,000 elders from councils representing Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Mwea attended the assembly. They resolved to oppose divisive politics and support leadership that promotes diversity and inclusion.

Kindiki said the elders had committed themselves to advancing national unity and protecting Kenya’s interests. He presented the gathering as a demonstration of unity in the Mt Kenya region.

The Deputy President also alleged that Gachagua had ignored advice during his time in office that could have helped him retain his position. Kindiki said that while serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary, he had advised Gachagua to remain loyal to President William Ruto and maintain a constructive relationship with him.

According to Kindiki, Gachagua rejected that advice, contributing to the political tensions that eventually led to his impeachment and removal from office in October 2024.

“Usinifanye nitoboe siri ya vile nilijaribu kukusaidia utoke ofisini lakini ukakataa kunisikiza,” Kindiki said, accusing his predecessor of arrogance and of dismissing his political experience.

Kindiki also criticised what he described as Gachagua’s current political efforts to build alliances with opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka, ahead of the 2027 General Election. He challenged Gachagua to wait for the ballot rather than seek to pressure the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Kindiki said he and President Ruto would defeat Gachagua in the election.