Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has disclosed that he made multiple late-night visits to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in an effort to prevent his impeachment and mend his strained relationship with President William Ruto.
Speaking at an event in Embu County, Kindiki recounted how he urged Gachagua to restore loyalty and goodwill with the president, emphasizing that maintaining a strong alliance could position him as a future successor.
"I came to your place many nights and told you to mend relations with the president, be faithful to him so that tomorrow you can also be president of the country," Kindiki said. He added that Gachagua dismissed his advice, choosing instead to distance himself and later became vocal after his removal.
Warnings and Rejections
Kindiki explained that his interventions aimed to prevent the growing rift between Gachagua and President Ruto from escalating beyond repair. Despite his repeated appeals, Gachagua reportedly ignored the counsel and maintained a stance of self-assuredness.
"How can one man be the only right one in the whole world?" Kindiki questioned, expressing frustration at Gachagua's perceived disdain and unwillingness to reconcile.
Background to Impeachment
Rigathi Gachagua was impeached in October 2024, becoming the first sitting Kenyan deputy president to be removed from office. The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of the impeachment motion, citing charges including gross misconduct, constitutional violations, and undermining presidential authority. The Senate upheld five of these charges, leading to his removal.
Following Gachagua's impeachment, Kithure Kindiki, who previously served as Interior Cabinet Secretary, was nominated and sworn in as the new deputy president.
