The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and urged him to stop referring to him as a brother.
Gachagua said his relationship with Kindiki deteriorated after he left office, accusing the current Deputy President of failing to show him the respect he claims to have had for him while he served in government.
He challenged Kindiki to explain how he had respected him, particularly after his removal from office.
“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?” Gachagua said.
He further told Kindiki to remain in office and deal with whatever challenges he may be facing, while insisting that he should not regard him as a brother.
“Even if you are facing problems there, remain there; do not call me your brother,” he said.
Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), also expressed concern about the rising cases of alcohol abuse among young people.
He said the issue had become a major source of concern and claimed that his efforts to help communities combat alcohol abuse had met resistance.
“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.
Gachagua’s remarks came days after Kindiki challenged him to show him respect and cautioned him against approaching him disrespectfully.
“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 while addressing his predecessor.
Meanwhile, Kindiki on Sunday appealed to residents of the Mt Kenya region to maintain unity despite growing political differences.
The Deputy President warned that political competition should not be allowed to divide the community or threaten peace in the country.
He noted that electoral contests are temporary, while the unity of the region and the nation should endure beyond elections. He urged leaders and residents to prioritise development and assess politicians based on their performance and record.
“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.
He said politics should be viewed as a contest for leadership rather than a reason for communities to turn against one another.
Kindiki also warned against political insults, violence and destruction of property, noting that losing an election does not permanently end an individual’s chances of seeking political office in the future.
