Drama in Mbeere North: DP Kindiki Heckled by Gachagua Supporters, Forced to Flee as He Slams ‘Failed Leader’
Tension and drama erupted in Mbeere North today as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was heckled by supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, forcing him to cut short his campaign and leave the venue.
The chaotic incident occurred during Kindiki’s campaign tour for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muthende ahead of the highly contested Mbeere North Parliamentary by-election.
What started as a routine campaign stop quickly turned tense when a group of Gachagua supporters began shouting down the Deputy President, chanting pro-Gachagua slogans, and accusing him of “abandoning the region.” Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with tensions escalating between rival supporters and prompting security officers to intervene.
The heckling grew so intense that Kindiki’s security team advised an immediate withdrawal, and the DP was hurriedly escorted to his vehicle as the crowd continued to shout and jeer.
Despite the hostile environment, Kindiki did not hold back in his criticism of Gachagua. Speaking at several stops before the confrontation, he accused his predecessor of advancing politics fueled by hatred, ethnicity, and division.
Kindiki described Gachagua as a “failed leader with no influence,” questioning his claims of being a dominant political figure in the Mt. Kenya region.
He argued that Gachagua’s attempt to present himself as the de facto leader in the area was empty, pointing out the lack of tangible development during his short stint as Deputy President.
“He comes here with charm and speeches for the opposition candidate, trying to appear like the de facto leader of this region, yet he did nothing for the people of Mbeere North,” Kindiki said.
He urged residents to make an informed choice, highlighting Leonard Muthende as the candidate most capable of delivering real development and continuing projects initiated by former MP Geoffrey Ruku, who now serves as a Cabinet Secretary.
Kindiki exuded confidence that UDA would win the seat with a decisive victory, warning the opposition to prepare for an “epic battle.” The incident underscores the rising political tension in Mbeere North, where both camps are aggressively mobilizing support ahead of the by-election.
Political observers note that the heckling is a reflection of the broader rivalry between Kindiki and Gachagua, each seeking to consolidate influence in Mt. Kenya.
After leaving the chaotic venue, Kindiki condemned the heckling and accused certain leaders of inciting youth to disrupt peaceful campaigns.
He warned that politics driven by division and intimidation undermines democracy and threatens the stability of the region.
Meanwhile, Gachagua supporters celebrated the disruption, claiming it reflected the former DP’s enduring grassroots influence and dismissing Kindiki’s campaign as an attempt to weaken their preferred leaders.
Today’s events highlight the increasingly heated nature of the Mbeere North by-election. With tensions running high and both sides digging in, the race has become a high-stakes contest, not just for the seat itself, but as a test of political strength and loyalty in Mt. Kenya. Residents and political watchers alike are now watching closely, anticipating more dramatic developments in the days leading up to the vote.
