Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is facing increasing political pressure from within the Kenya Kwanza administration, alleging that President William Ruto is deliberately sidelining his deputy in a move aimed at forcing him out of office.
Speaking during a televised interview, Gachagua argued that the treatment currently directed at Kindiki resembles the circumstances he says he experienced before leaving office.
According to the former deputy president, political attacks against Kindiki are not accidental but part of a broader strategy designed to weaken his position within government.
Gachagua maintained that he understands the challenges Kindiki is facing because he believes he went through a similar experience during his tenure as deputy president.
He claimed that individuals who have recently criticized Kindiki are acting with encouragement from powerful figures within government, insisting that the deputy president has become the latest target of internal political battles.
The remarks come at a time when political conversations surrounding the 2027 General Election are intensifying, with speculation growing over possible alliances between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
During the interview, Gachagua also suggested that although Kindiki occupies the office he once held, the deputy president is not enjoying the authority normally associated with the position. He argued that occupying the office does not necessarily translate into having influence in government decision-making.
The former deputy president said he has no interest in reclaiming the position and noted that his focus has shifted to national politics and the future direction of the country.
However, he insisted that the treatment of senior government officials raises concerns about leadership and political loyalty within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua further argued that opposition against President Ruto should not be viewed as opposition to Deputy President Kindiki. Instead, he claimed that critics are challenging the president over governance issues, leadership style and decisions made during his administration.
He alleged that Kindiki is increasingly being sidelined as discussions surrounding possible political arrangements for 2027 continue to gain momentum.
His comments followed recent statements by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who hinted that ODM could negotiate for the deputy president’s position if it reaches a political agreement with President Ruto ahead of the next General Election.
Junet indicated that should UDA retain the presidency in a future coalition arrangement, ODM would seek to have one of its senior leaders occupy the deputy president’s office.
The remarks immediately sparked widespread political debate, with many interpreting them as a sign that coalition negotiations could reshape Kenya’s political landscape before the 2027 polls.
Among the names being discussed is Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, whom Junet described as a suitable candidate should ODM secure the deputy president’s slot in a future government arrangement.
Oparanya remains one of ODM’s most experienced leaders, having served as Kakamega Governor for two terms before joining the Cabinet.
His close political relationship with ODM leader Raila Odinga has made him one of the party’s influential figures during ongoing political consultations.
Gachagua claimed that such discussions could further complicate Kindiki’s position within government if coalition negotiations advance.
He argued that the deputy president risks being politically isolated as different parties pursue their own strategic interests ahead of the election.
The former deputy president also used the interview to caution Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku against placing excessive trust in President Ruto.
According to Gachagua, several politicians who once enjoyed close working relationships with the president later found themselves politically isolated after disagreements emerged.
He cited former Cabinet Secretaries and political allies who have since fallen out with the Head of State, arguing that political loyalty within government has not always guaranteed long-term support.
Gachagua further urged leaders from the Mt Kenya region to remain united, warning against attempts to divide the area’s political influence. He argued that internal competition could weaken the region’s bargaining power as campaigns for the next General Election begin to take shape.
His latest remarks are expected to fuel fresh debate over the evolving relationship between senior leaders in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
They also add to growing speculation over whether new alliances involving UDA and ODM could significantly alter the country’s political landscape before voters head to the ballot in 2027.
Neither President Ruto, Deputy President Kindiki nor officials from State House had publicly responded to Gachagua’s latest claims at the time the remarks gained widespread attention.
