Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking during a Church Service on August 9, 2026 / HANDOUTFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit out at his successor, DP Kithure Kindiki,telling him not to refer to him as his brother.
Gachagua said their relationship deteriorated after he left office, accusing the current Deputy President of failing to respect him.
He questioned Kindiki’s claim of respecting him while he served as Deputy President.
“I respected you when you were in the office; we fell apart when I got out and he told me to leave. When I left, were you not the one who removed me? Now let me ask you, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, how did you respect me?” he said.
Gachagua told Kindiki to remain in his current position despite any challenges he may be facing.
“Even if you are facing problems there, remain there; do not call me your brother,” he said.
Gachagua also raised concerns over alcohol abuse among young people, saying the problem was causing him significant worry.
The DCP party leader said he had been working to address alcohol abuse in the community but faced opposition.
“I am getting disturbing reports on alcohol abuse among our youths. They cost me sleep; it is finishing our youths. I was helping our community battle alcohol abuse, but I was fought,” he said.
This comes days after Kindiki asked Gachagua to respect him, saying he should approach him with caution.
“Come slowly; at this point we don’t want disrespect, and we do not have any problem with anyone. Come and speak your agenda and leave because we are not rogue people, but do not continue with that disrespect,” Kindiki said, addressing the former DP.
Meanwhile on Sunday,
Kindiki said political contests were temporary, while the unity of the region and the country would endure long after the elections, urging leaders and residents to focus on development and to judge political leaders by their records.
“I humbly appeal to you that we should be people who tolerate one another. Even if we have small political differences here at home, we should not use those differences to disrupt the peace of our community and the peace of the nation,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President said politics should be treated as a competition for leadership rather than a reason for communities to turn against each other.
He cautioned against political insults, violence and destruction of property, saying those who lose elections would have other opportunities to seek leadership.
