The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
A political standoff between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua intensified on Tuesday after Kindiki dismissed Gachagua’s criticism of his interpretation of the Constitution, telling him to “stay in your lane.”
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Kindiki accused Gachagua of relying on insults, divisive rhetoric and outdated politics instead of engaging in meaningful debate.
“Wamitego. Your comparative advantage is in matters of insults and division. Stay in your lane,” Kindiki stated.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
The Deputy President also defended his expertise in constitutional law, saying he had spent years studying the subject and was familiar not only with Kenya’s Constitution but also with constitutions from more than 100 countries.
“I hear you want to teach me Constitutional Law, yet you question my understanding of the Constitution of Kenya and over one hundred other national constitutions that I have studied for years while you were busy stealing relief food,” Kindiki said.
His response followed remarks by Gachagua, who earlier accused him of misinterpreting constitutional provisions regarding presidential terms and President William Ruto’s bid for re-election.
Addressing supporters on Tuesday, Gachagua urged Kindiki to stop embarrassing himself, insisting he had misunderstood the Constitution.
“Please, don’t embarrass us. You are our son. You are reading and interpreting the Constitution upside down,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President argued that if the Constitution intended every President to automatically serve two terms, it would have clearly stipulated a fixed 10-year tenure.
He also referenced President Ruto’s previous statements that he would seek another mandate only after presenting his record to Kenyans at the end of his first term.
“He said he only needs one term, then he will return to the people and ask for their vote. If he has not performed, they should send him home,” Gachagua noted.
The exchange stems from recent comments by Kindiki dismissing the “Wantam” slogan championed by critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Kindiki argued that the Constitution provides for a President to seek a second term, saying the first five years are meant to introduce policies and development programmes while the second term allows for their completion.
He maintained that many government projects require more than a single term to achieve their objectives and expressed confidence that President Ruto would earn another mandate based on his administration’s development record.
Kindiki also accused Gachagua of damaging the reputation of the Mount Kenya region through what he described as greed and poor leadership.
“Who has embarrassed the Mount Kenya region more than the person whose greed and incompetence has forced us to constantly explain that he does not represent the values of distinguished leaders from our region who served this country with honour and excellence?” Kindiki posed.
He concluded by suggesting he would respond more comprehensively at a later date.
“You have been looking for me for a long time, but I will answer you at the right time. For now, I am busy. I will not descend,” he said.
