Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of deliberately humiliating his deputy, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, and scheming to remove him from office.
Speaking at a DCP rally in Kipeto, Kajiado West Constituency, Gachagua claimed that during a recent retreat in Naivasha, Kindiki was intentionally seated away from the main dais, a move he says was meant to politically weaken the Deputy President.
"During the Naivasha retreat, our man Soprano was seated separately despite being the Deputy President and drawing a salary," Gachagua said, referring to Kindiki.
He alleged that President Ruto is using Kisii Governor Simba Arati to challenge Kindiki, with Arati reportedly telling Kindiki to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if he wants to be Deputy President.
Gachagua described Kindiki's silence and discomfort during this exchange as a sign of disrespect and political sidelining.
"Ruto decided to embarrass Kindiki in front of others, with Arati saying the DP seat belongs to ODM and if Kindiki wants it, he should leave and join ODM," Gachagua stated.
The DCP leader further accused President Ruto of consistently sidelining Kindiki at public events by pushing him away from prominent positions on stage.
Recalling his own experience as former Deputy President, Gachagua said he confronted individuals who tried to exclude him from presidential events, naming Ruto's economic adviser, David Ndii, as one who attempted to enter restricted areas during a Naivasha event but was turned away by Gachagua.
Gachagua warned that Ruto's strategy appears to be replacing Kindiki with ODM members to consolidate political control around the presidency.
He sympathized with Kindiki, noting that political disagreements should not lead to public humiliation, especially since Kindiki was appointed by the President and may feel constrained from speaking out.
"Even if you are through with someone, you don’t have to embarrass them in public. Respect should be maintained," Gachagua said.
