Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had a rough day in Nyeri County when a group of young people shouted him down with chants of “Wantam” during a public event. The incident happened in Othaya, just outside a stadium where Kindiki was leading an empowerment event.
The youth, who weren’t allowed inside the venue, gathered near the fence and made their displeasure known. Police quickly moved in to disperse them, and more officers were called in to maintain order as the event continued.
Amid the tension, Kindiki didn’t hold back. Though he didn’t name anyone directly, many felt his words were aimed at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. “Leaders who come to intimidate others should stop. We must respect each other,” he said in Swahili. “Respect isn’t slavery… You can’t act like you’re the only leader who knows everything. Who said you’re God?”
Kindiki tried to steer the conversation back to development, promising that the Kenya Kwanza government would keep all its promises to the people. He emphasized unity, saying there was no bad blood between him and any local leaders, including those in Embu County.
Earlier that day, Kindiki met with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire at his Karen office. This came after speculation that the two had fallen out, especially following Mbarire’s public outburst during Madaraka Day celebrations. “We have no differences with the leaders or people of Embu. Those trying to create division, there’s nothing there,” he said.
Kindiki also made it clear that the meetings he held in Embu without Governor Mbarire weren’t political. “Just so you know, we’re on good terms. I bring you greetings from my sister Cess,” he said. “She wanted to attend, but the President had called a meeting with all governors about livestock vaccination.”
During the first-ever macadamia conference in Embu, Kindiki addressed an important issue affecting local farmers. He said he had stepped in to stop a new bill that aimed to remove muguka from the list of scheduled cash crops and classify it as a drug. The proposed law had raised concern among farmers, but the bill’s sponsor, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, has since written to the Speaker of the National Assembly asking for it to be withdrawn.
By Lucky Anyanje
