Editor's Review

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed a WhatsApp message he received from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki following chaos that disrupted a UDA meeting in Nembure, Embu County.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed a WhatsApp message he received from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki following chaos that disrupted a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting in Nembure, Embu County.

In an update on Sunday, September 13, Gachagua said Kindiki sent him the message after the incident, in which the Deputy President appeared to directly confront him over his political position and his decision not to work with the government.

In the message, Kindiki told Gachagua that he respected his decision but accused him of choosing to fight him directly, saying he was prepared for the political confrontation.

"My brother, I have always respected you and your decision not to work with us. However you have decided to fight me directly, but there is no problem, l am ready," the message read. 

Kindiki challenged Gachagua's assertion that he had no personal disagreement with him, arguing that the former Deputy President's problem was instead with President William Ruto and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire.

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The Deputy President also maintained that the Embu meeting that was disrupted was his own political engagement, rather than an event convened by Ruto or Mbarire.

"No need to lie that you have no problem with me and that your problem is William Ruto and Cecily Mbarire. Today's meeting was not William Ruto's or Cecily Mbarire's; it was my meeting. It is okay," the message added.

File image of Kithure Kindiki

Elsewhere, on Saturday, September 12, Kindiki stated the violence, saying the UDA Party regretted the loss and damage arising from the disruption of the meeting, which he attributed to youths who had been organized to interfere with the gathering.

"The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party regrets the loss and/damage brought about by those responsible for organizing the youth to disrupt our party meeting in Nembure, Embu earlier today," he wrote.

Kindiki said the incident was unacceptable and called on security agencies to take action against individuals involved in political violence.

"The Party condemns violence and demands that law enforcement agencies take punitive measures against all those responsible for perpetuating political violence," he added.

Kindiki further said UDA wanted political competition to focus on development records and policy proposals rather than confrontations and rhetoric.

"The Party stands for issue-based politics and a contest around who or which party has a better development track record and policy goals for Kenya’s future , rather than forcing support through lies, violence and useless slogans," he further said.

Kindiki said the party leadership in Embu had been directed to establish the extent of the damage caused during the incident and coordinate assistance for those affected.

"Our party leadership in Embu has been tasked with verifying the exact nature of the loss and/or damage, and to coordinate responses to stand in solidarity with all those adversely affected in one way or another," he concluded.