Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified criticism of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, asserting that the recent Ol Kalou by-election results reveal a significant political shift in Mt Kenya away from President William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking at a church service on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Gachagua accused Kindiki of prematurely celebrating the anticipated election outcome before the late MP’s burial, describing this as arrogant and culturally insensitive.
Respect for traditions questioned
Gachagua emphasized that discussing succession before the deceased's burial contravenes Mt Kenya cultural customs. He said, “We do not discuss dividing a person’s estate before burial. Kindiki should have waited for the late MP Kiaraho’s funeral before speaking about the seat.”
He further mocked Kindiki’s confidence ahead of the by-election, suggesting the Deputy President was disconnected from the region’s political realities despite being a native of Tharaka.
Political realignment in Mt Kenya
The former Deputy President argued that Kindiki failed to acknowledge that Mt Kenya’s electorate had long distanced itself from Ruto and UDA. He stated that the by-election results confirmed a decline in support for the Kenya Kwanza administration within the region.
This exchange adds to ongoing political tension between Gachagua and Kindiki as both jockey for influence in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. Gachagua has been leading opposition campaigns asserting that the mountain region has abandoned the current government, while Kindiki maintains that the administration retains strong backing and urges residents to support its development agenda.
The Ol Kalou by-election has become a critical indicator of the Kenya Kwanza coalition’s standing in this vote-rich area, with both sides interpreting the outcome to bolster their political narratives.
