Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has fired back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following his recent political attacks targeting Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 18, the DP insisted that Embu leaders, including Mbarire and Ruku, should be shielded from harassment and attacks.
Kindiki went on to state that disagreements with rivals are rooted in ideological differences, maintaining that the current leadership is focused on delivering where their predecessors failed.
“Leave the leaders here in Embu alone; leave Governor Cecily Mbarire, Cabinet Secretary Ruku, and our MPs. Even though we do not insult those who compete with us here, we respect them.
“It is only that we have ideological differences, and we are telling them that when they were in office, they did not help us,” he said.
This comes a day after Gachagua called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to act against Ruku and Mbarire for allegedly interfering with political campaigns.
In an interview on Sunday, November 16, the former DP expressed frustration over alleged political disruption by the two leaders during his campaign meetings in Mbeere North.
Gachagua argued that by intruding on meetings organised by rival candidates, Ruku, Mbarire and the UDA candidate, Leo Wamuthende, have violated electoral laws.
“The IEBC needs to take action against Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Governor Cecily Mbarire, and the UDA candidate, Leo Wamuthende, for gatecrashing our meetings. The electoral code of conduct disallows a candidate from storming into another candidate’s meeting,” he said.
Gachagua accused the ruling party of lacking grassroots support, alleging that they resort to monetary incentives to attract crowds rather than drawing genuine interest.
“UDA has realised they cannot get an organic crowd, so their strategy is to follow us, as we saw on Sunday. We addressed a meeting in Kanyuambora, as soon as we were done, they came dishing out Ksh200 bob to attendees. They also followed us in Ishiara and Kabubua ka Nyama,” he added.
Days earlier, Ruku had explained his involvement in the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election campaigns.
In an interview on Monday, November 10, the CS said he was actively participating in the campaigns because he understands the needs of the people and wants to ensure that their interests are well represented in Parliament.
“I am very interested in the Mbeere North by-election because the people of Mbeere North and the entire area know what we need. I have been engaged in the campaigns. The law allows CS and CECs to involve themselves in politics,” he stated.
Ruku further declared his full support for UDA Party candidate, Leo wa Muthende, whom he described as the preferred choice of the Mbeere North residents.
He dismissed rival contenders, saying they lack the connection and understanding of local priorities.
“The people of Mbeere North have already made a decision that the candidate we are going to vote for as the next MP is Leo wa Muthende.
“We don’t want empty wards; we don’t want people who are coming to abuse others within the region. We don’t want those who are coming with the narrative that Kenya is a country of shares,” he added.
