Deputy President Kithure Kindiki directly attacked former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his criticisms of the government’s drought mitigation efforts.
Through his official X account, Kindiki stated: “You were sacked as a District Officer (DO) for stealing food meant for drought relief, you have no moral authority to give lectures on drought mitigation.”
The accusation stems from Gachagua’s recent vocal opposition to the current administration’s handling of drought in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), where millions face food insecurity due to poor short rains performance.
Kindiki, who has been actively involved in coordinating government responses—including resource disbursements and partnerships with counties and development partners—appears to be defending the administration while questioning Gachagua’s credibility.
Kindiki’s claim refers to an alleged incident in the late 1990s when Gachagua, early in his public service career, was reportedly dismissed from his role as a District Officer.
Supporters of Kindiki amplified the message, framing it as evidence of hypocrisy, with some sharing images and calling it a big blow to Gachagua’s moral standing.
This exchange highlights the bitter fallout between President William Ruto’s administration and Gachagua, who was impeached and has since positioned himself as a critic, particularly on issues affecting vulnerable communities.
Whether the historical allegation holds up remains debated, but it has intensified public discourse on integrity, leadership, and accountability in addressing humanitarian crises like drought.
The spat underscores how past records are weaponized in Kenya’s high-stakes political arena, especially amid ongoing challenges in food security and climate resilience.
Author: Bashirjuma
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