Kindiki chooses peace over politics as Gachagua fires salvo at Kiaraho memorial

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the memorial service of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho on April 8, 2026/PCS

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday called for respect and restraint, choosing a conciliatory tone over confrontation after sharp criticism from his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua during the memorial service of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho memorial service.

Kindiki emphasised the need to separate politics from solemn occasions, saying the country has enough platforms to engage in political discourse outside funerals and church events.

“I want to encourage that going forward as a community, as a nation, let us learn how to respect one another, families and communities alike,” Kindiki said.

He was speaking during the memorial service of former Ol Kalou MP, the late David Kiaraho.

“Let us put down political temperatures to allow mourning because we have a lot of opportunities to do politics outside the church and events like this one,” he stressed.

The DP steered clear of responding directly to sharp criticism from his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, who had moments earlier taken issue with alleged succession politics surrounding the Ol Kalou seat.

Gachagua had taken on Kindiki for allegedly breaching Mt Kenya cultural norms by reportedly discussing a potential by-election before the late legislator had been laid to rest.

“Wewe Kindiki, kuna mahali umetukosea. Umefanya makosa Tharaka kuongelea mambo ya by-election kabla Kiaharao hajazikwa, hiyo ni kinyume na desturi ya jamii yetu ya Mlima Kenya. We don’t discuss inheriting somebody until he is buried; hapo professor umeanguka kidogo, utarekebisha,” Gachagua said.

Despite the criticism, Kindiki maintained a soft tone, choosing not to escalate the exchange and instead reiterating his appeal for unity and decorum during the mourning period.

His remarks come amid rising political undercurrents in the Mt Kenya region, with leaders increasingly positioning themselves ahead of potential by-elections and future contests.

The memorial service, held in Ol Kalou, drew a host of political leaders and residents, reflecting the late Kiaharao’s influence in the region.

President William Ruto, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, and several cabinet secretaries were present.

Kiaraho died on March 29, 2026, at Nairobi Hospital at the age of 62.