Deputy President Kithure Kindiki struck back at his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, after Gachagua issued a 10-day ultimatum to the government regarding the surge of insecurity in Meru North. Gachagua had criticized Kindiki for failing to stop cattle rustling in the area, warning that he would mobilize Meru residents to defend themselves if the state did not deploy security forces along the Isiolo and Samburu borders.
Kindiki responded with a sharp social media post, dismissing the warning and accusing Gachagua of incitement. He questioned Gachagua’s own record, claiming the former deputy president failed to provide enough support to these communities during his own time in office.
The deputy president defended the current administration’s strategy against banditry by highlighting his past work as interior cabinet secretary. He noted that he personally managed security operations on the ground throughout 2023 and 2024 to dismantle criminal groups.
“When I assumed office as Interior Minister, I spent months in that region and the neighbouring counties, sleeping in bush camps and coordinating security formations to crush bandit networks,” Kindiki wrote.
Kindiki claims those operations effectively halted banditry in Meru North at the time. He noted that the region has struggled with these issues for over a decade, arguing that the situation worsened while Gachagua’s current political partners oversaw national security.
The deputy president also called out Gachagua for failing to provide any real support during his tenure, pointing out that his predecessor never visited Meru North to stand with the residents as he is doing now. Kindiki acknowledged that bandit attacks have spiked over the last two weeks, causing both deaths and the theft of livestock.
“The government will crush the criminals, like we did in 2023 and 2024. To your shock and dismay, we will succeed,” Kindiki told Gachagua.
He further challenged the former deputy president to name a single initiative or development project he successfully championed for the country while in office.
“Are you aware that you cannot pinpoint one single development project you fought for its implementation anywhere in the Republic of Kenya while you were in office?” Kindiki asked.
Kindiki also brushed off the derogatory nicknames Gachagua used for him and President William Ruto, insisting the public would not be swayed by such talk.
“You can rant all you like about Kasongo this and Soprano that, but your hateful rhetoric and useless threats won’t sell,” Kindiki said. “Let’s compete on who has pushed the people’s agenda and well-being more, and I will show you dust any day, anywhere in this country.”
