“Tactless, anti-people and primitive.” Kindiki wades into ongoing UDA succession debate
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has rebuked certain leaders within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, urging them to refrain from involving him in discussions regarding the 2027 election.
He characterized the current discourse on succession as “insensitive, against the interests of the people, and regressive.”
“It [is] a blot on the maturity of our democracy,” he said asking leaders to refrain from involving him in the debate.
“The ongoing debate ought to stop, but if it must proceed, I respectfully request that my name should not be dragged in it.”
The Interior Cabinet Secretary emphasized that his primary concentration is on advancing the transformation agenda of Kenya Kwanza, ensuring a secure homeland for both present and future generations.
He underscored that his current responsibilities as the nation’s security chief require his complete and undivided attention.
“This sensitive role demands relentless focus and total abstinence from all manner of distracting misadventure,” he added.
Gachagua besieged
The rise of a coalition challenging Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has led to Kithure Kindiki being drawn into the political dynamics of the Mt Kenya succession. Some leaders are urging President William Ruto to reconsider his choice of running mate for the 2027 election in light of this emerging axis.
On January 20, Maina Karobia, an East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member, claimed the existence of a deal between President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, suggesting a reciprocal support arrangement.
Despite the lack of public confirmation of such an agreement, Karobia, speaking alongside the Deputy President, asserted that a pact similar to the 2012 one between Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto exists.
This revelation comes at a time when Gachagua is facing a challenge from certain lawmakers within the Mt Kenya region. Ndindi Nyoro, the Kiharu lawmaker, has emerged as a potential contender against Gachagua, who was selected as the ruling party’s deputy presidential candidate despite indications that Kindiki was the preferred candidate during a meeting among senior UDA politicians.
The competition for the running mate position led to Kindiki skipping an event where Gachagua was unveiled. Subsequently, the former Tharaka Nithi Senator announced a hiatus from politics.
“During the 2022 campaigns we said it was President Ruto ten years without a break and the same for DP Gachagua. I urge my colleagues in the Mt Kenya region that we focus on development and success of the President not succession of leadership, let us stop the politics and internal wrangles,” Karobia said on Saturday.
Supremacy contest
The escalating tension between Ndindi Nyoro, aged 38, and Deputy President Gachagua poses a threat to the unity of the region, which is considered a crucial bloc for any leader aspiring to the country’s presidency.
Leaders aligned with Nyoro and those supporting Gachagua are entangled in a power struggle over the role of the Mt Kenya Kingpin.
On Tuesday, Deputy Gachagua emphasized the need for unity in the Mount Kenya region, urging leaders to refrain from engaging in succession politics.
During a meeting with Nyandarua Members of County Assembly at his Karen residence in Nairobi, Gachagua emphasized that the current priority should be addressing pressing challenges facing Kenyans, such as youth unemployment, drug and substance abuse, and economic issues.
“We have barely come from elections, one and a half years. People want services. Let us refrain from those issues(politics),” the DP said.
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“Tactless, anti-people and primitive.” Kindiki wades into ongoing UDA succession debate
