Gatundu, Kiambu – May 18, 2025 — Tensions in Kenya’s political landscape escalated on Sunday after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki publicly condemned remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua concerning the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at Gatundu Stadium during the Gatundu South Constituency Economic Empowerment Program, DP Kindiki strongly criticized Gachagua’s recent statements during a live interview on the Obinna Show Live. In that interview, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of influencing the appointment of IEBC commissioners by allegedly placing his close allies in strategic positions. More controversially, Gachagua warned that if the president attempted to manipulate the 2027 election outcome, “whatever happened in 2007 will be like a Christmas party” — a chilling reference to the post-election violence that rocked Kenya nearly two decades ago.
The remarks, which many interpreted as incitement, appeared to infuriate DP Kindiki, who rebuked what he described as reckless and dangerous political rhetoric. “There will never again be political violence in Kenya,” Kindiki asserted, drawing from his long experience in politics and governance. Without directly naming Gachagua, the Deputy President took a veiled jab at his predecessor, stating that “some politicians who lack historical experience with Kenya’s darkest moments are speaking carelessly.”
In his speech, Kindiki emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring a free and fair election in 2027. He called on the opposition to stop using intimidation tactics and warned that the era of using violence as a political tool was over. “Kenya has moved forward. Elections will be determined by the people’s will — not threats or fear,” he said.
Also present at the event was Molo MP Kuria Kimani, who added a personal dimension to the discussion. Kimani, whose constituency was heavily affected during the 2007 post-election crisis, recalled how his neighbor was killed during the violence. “People from Rift Valley have suffered enough. We must never go back there,” he said, urging all political leaders to avoid inflammatory statements that could incite unrest.
Meanwhile, there were unconfirmed reports circulating on Sunday that DCI officers were trailing Gachagua, possibly seeking to arrest him for inciting the public and making statements that could lead to civil strife. The former DP has yet to respond to the Deputy President’s statements or the alleged attempts to apprehend him.
