Deputy President Kithure Kindiki faced a chaotic moment during an empowerment function held in Othaya, Nyeri County, after a group of rowdy youth gathered outside the venue, loudly chanting the slogan ‘Wantam’.
The slogan, which has gained popularity in recent weeks across the Mount Kenya region, is widely associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Kindiki had travelled to Othaya to preside over the commissioning of the Othaya Modern Community Stadium. However, his plans nearly faced disruption as hundreds of youth remained outside the perimeter fence, shouting slogans and creating a tense atmosphere.
Footage obtained by Newshub.co.ke showed the situation turning tense as the crowd heckled the Deputy President, chanting the now-familiar ‘Wantam’ phrase.
The slogan appears to be gaining ground as a form of protest linked to Gachagua’s supporters. The hostile environment forced security forces at the event to request backup, and more police officers were deployed to help restore calm and prevent any further disruption.
Despite the mounting pressure from the crowd, Kindiki went on with the event inside the stadium. While addressing the gathering, he didn’t hold back in criticizing the protesters and their apparent sponsor, Rigathi Gachagua, although he avoided mentioning his name directly.
He strongly condemned what he termed as rising political intimidation within the Mount Kenya region, particularly targeting leaders loyal to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“The culture of threatening and intimidating others in leadership must come to an end. We should treat each other with dignity. Respect doesn’t mean being submissive,” Kindiki stated with intensity.
He continued, “Why should one person behave as if they are the only wise leader, the only one people should listen to? Are you God?”
Kindiki went on to indirectly accuse Gachagua of attacking people who do not align with his political stance, even going as far as targeting musicians and other public figures.
“You’re now on a mission to attack everyone. Leaders, musicians, ordinary people — anyone who doesn’t follow your political direction becomes a target.
How can society move forward if one person wants to be seen as the only popular or knowledgeable figure? Every individual has value. Everyone plays a role in the development of this nation,” Kindiki emphasized.
Earlier in the day, Kindiki had also sought to dismiss claims of a rift with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire. He held a meeting with her at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi, to show that they remain on good terms, despite ongoing political speculations.
Interestingly, while Kindiki was in Othaya — a region seen as Rigathi Gachagua’s stronghold — the former Deputy President held a separate public rally in Kikuyu constituency.
During his speech, Gachagua once again pushed his controversial ‘One Term’ campaign, which some believe is aimed at influencing the 2027 presidential succession debate.
Following the uproar in Nyeri, political observers have raised concerns about the increasing divisions and heated atmosphere in the Mount Kenya region. Even though Gachagua still commands significant support in the area, critics say he may be using underhanded methods to sideline his rivals.
Nyando MP Jared Okello was one of the leaders who condemned the incident in Nyeri. He alleged that the hostile reception Kindiki received was orchestrated by Gachagua’s political camp.
“Kindiki being booed in Othaya just a day after President Ruto received a hero’s welcome in Homa Bay is not just coincidence. That crowd was arranged by people loyal to Wamunyoro’s team — people who haven’t yet recovered from their recent political embarrassments,” said Okello, an ODM legislator.
The chaotic scenes in Nyeri now raise further questions about the state of political alliances, loyalty, and succession politics in the Mount Kenya region — a region that is expected to play a key role in shaping the outcome of the next general elections.
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