Kindiki Faces Hostile Crowd In Othaya Despite Delivering Goodies Worth Millions Of Shillings
From left: Energy PS Alex Wachira, Sports CS Salim Mvurya, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina at Othaya Stadium on Wednesday.
By MKT Correspondents
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki was met with a hostile reception on Wednesday during a visit to Othaya Community Stadium in Nyeri County, where he launched an upgrade of the facility.
The DP and his team which included Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Principal Secretaries Alex Wachira and Elijah Mwangi, were shocked to find nearly an empty stadium.
When he landed at the stadium, a huge group of people, waiting at the sidelines of the facility started shouting Wantam before disappearing in the town streets.
Only less than 200 people were left in the stadium to listen to the leaders who were hosted by area MP Wambugu Wainaina.
And even amomg those left, a section of them also introduced the anti-government chants when they told off their MP.
After articulating various projects that the government was undertaking, the MP had asked them what message they wanted he deliver to President ruto to which they retorted, ‘One Term’. Despite the MP trying to swayed them to say “Two terms”, they repeatedly shouted “One term” for the four times he said “two terms”.
On realising that he could not convince them otherwise, the MP opted to prematurely conclude his speech.
Tensions escalated further as Prof Kindiki used the platform to take a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting divisive politics in the Mt Kenya region.
“I am humbly asking leaders to respect their colleagues,” Kindiki said.
“Stop calling others foolish. Why act like you know everything when you are not God? It is only God who knows everything. We must work collectively for the sake of development. Pride and chest-thumping must end.”
He added: “Respect the current leaders. It doesn’t matter whether they will be re-elected or not. Allow them to serve Kenyans and stop issuing threats. That kind of politics must stop.”
Kindiki’s remarks appeared to respond directly to controversial statements made by Gachagua during a recent address at AIPCA Gatumbi Church in Lari Constituency, Kiambu County on Sunday.
Gachagua had branded Mt Kenya MPs who support President William Ruto as “fools” and accused them of betraying the region’s interests, particularly by backing Ruto during the 2024 impeachment motion.
Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge also addressed the crowd but was heckled and forced to cut short his speech.
Mathenge criticized Gachagua for what he termed as interference in county governance during the tenure of the late Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua.
“I served as Chief of Staff under Governor Nderitu Gachagua,” Mathenge said.
“When the governor became ill, his brother Rigathi stepped in and micromanaged the county government. Rigathi must stop hurling insults at us.”
Efforts to redirect the focus of the event toward development were led by Sports CS Salim Mvurya, who outlined the scope of the stadium upgrade.
“This will be an ultra-modern stadium featuring a social hall and administration block,” Mvurya said.
“It will include playing fields for football, basketball, netball, and volleyball. The project is scheduled for completion within four months.”
Kindiki reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s economic challenges, highlighting recent efforts to lower the cost of essential goods.
“We must lower the price of flour,” he said. “The price of petrol has already been reduced. The cost of coffee and tea has also come down. Be patient with our government. We are committed to developing this nation.”
The Deputy President also paid tribute to the late President Mwai Kibaki, a native of Othaya, describing him as a unifying leader who shunned divisive politics.
“For over 50 years, Othaya was represented by Mwai Kibaki, one of the finest leaders Kenya has ever produced,” said Kindiki.
“We are proud to launch the construction of this stadium here in his honor. Kibaki led with dignity and never divided people.”
However, as the leaders left the venue, the crowd resumed anti-government chants, some shouting that President Ruto would only serve one term in office—a reflection of the political undercurrents gripping the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Other leaders present included Nyeri County Senator Wahome Wamatinga.
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