Faya si faya: DP Kindiki humbles Gachagua in Mbeere North battle

Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki had put his political reputation on the line when he decided to lead the UDA campaigns for the Mbeere North MP-elect Leonard Wamuthende.

For some time, the DP and former DP Rigathi Gachagua had flexed muscles over who between them was more popular in Mount Kenya politics, and a loss for the UDA candidate in Mbeere North—Kindiki’s Mt Kenya East turf—would have dealt his stake a critical blow.

Kindiki must have understood that his political standing would have been greatly diminished if Mr Wamuthende lost against Newton Kariuki, the Democratic Party candidate backed by Mr Gachagua and former Attorney General Justin Muturi.

Armed with that knowledge, Kindiki left Nairobi on the afternoon of November 17 and headed to Siakago to lead Wamuthende’s campaign.

So much was at stake that he remained in Mbeere North throughout the campaign period, save for brief pauses to rush to Nairobi for President William Ruto’s State of the Nation Address, gospel musician Betty Bayo’s burial, and a Judiciary event.

For all three events, Kindiki travelled from Mbeere North and, once they were through, immediately returned to take charge of Wamuthende's campaign, which was under a barrage of attacks from Mr Gachagua’s brigade.

Kindiki offered Kenyans a glimpse of his true political colours from the onset when he went on the offensive on November 17 between 5 pm and 7 pm, addressing rallies at Siakago and firing up Wamuthende, who had been under sustained attacks from Gachagua, Muturi, and former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti.

The DP held about six rallies every day and by the end of the IEBC campaign period, he had addressed 18 rallies.

This was in addition to about 50 “strategy meetings” with crucial players in Wamuthende's team, including grassroots leaders, MPs, MCAs, and party agents.

Even as he rooted for the UDA candidate, Kindiki was under onslaught from Gachagua and his team, who dismissed his role in Wamuthende's campaign and Mt Kenya politics.

Kindiki returned fire—strongly.

“For many days, this bully called Rigathi has harassed our leaders, particularly here in Embu and other parts of the Mt Kenya region. He has disrespected them. But I want to assure you, by Thursday, we will teach him a political lesson of his lifetime,” Kindiki—derogatorily labeled ‘soprano man’ by Gachagua—thundered.

It was one of the rare times Kenyans saw the law professor in full political combat mode. Even as he pumped energy into Wamuthende’s campaigns, he used the platform to dismiss Gachagua.

“We have no problem with anyone asking for votes from our people. That is democracy. We are decent people. But don’t ever mistake our calmness for cowardice. Don’t provoke us. We are lethal and will deal with you ruthlessly,” Kindiki said at one of the well-attended rallies.

He told off Gachagua for labeling him “Mr Yes Sir,” a phrase coined by his predecessor to show Kindiki agreed with everything President William Ruto said and did.

“This man (Gachagua), who has no decorum, has been calling me Ruto’s employee. I have ignored him and his provocations for long. I must now state, for the avoidance of doubt, that I am the senior-most political leader in this region—and there is nothing he can do about it.”

Now basking in Wamuthende's win, Kindiki has won plaudits for delivering in the hard-fought contest, including from National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, and others.

“The results vindicate those of us who trust the people to make the right decisions on their own future. Kenyans are intelligent enough to distinguish those who have a clear agenda for them versus those who propagate negative ethnicity, balkanisation of our nation into fiefdoms, and are driven by hatred and division,” Mr Ichung’wah said.

Mr Wamumbi added: “DP Kindiki played a central role in the Mbeere North campaigns, frequently on the ground and coordinating key mobilisation efforts. His presence was highly visible throughout.”

Kindiki also had a committed and influential team supporting the campaign, including Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, whose appointment to the Cabinet triggered the by-election.

They attended all rallies with Wamuthende to state the case for his election.

The by-election was billed as a fight for the political soul of the Mt Kenya region, and both Kindiki’s and Gachagua’s reputations were on the chopping board depending on who won—and who lost.

Wamuthende won.

“When he was DP, he never stepped in this constituency nor lobbied for any development for the people of Mbeere North. Now that he has been impeached, he is coming here with insults and empty political rhetoric, feigning love for the people. Power is when the crown is on the head. Once the crown falls, it’s no different from a piece of useless mabati,” Kindiki said.

The crown is now firmly on Kindiki’s head. Following this significant victory—and with the 2027 polls looming large—his moves will be closely watched.