By MKT Correspondent
Tension has emerged in Tharaka Nithi County after Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki’s political allies and officials from his office described Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru as a political adversary of the Deputy President and urged her to keep off county events.
Speaking at Kajuki Market in Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency during a public engagement, area Member of Parliament Patrick Munene and Mbaka Muriuki, a communication officer in the Office of the Deputy President, faulted Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki for inviting Governor Waiguru to a recent fundraiser in the county attended by President William Ruto and Deputy President Prof Kindiki.
Munene claimed that Waiguru is politically opposed to Prof Kindiki and accused her of positioning herself for a future political role at the expense of the Kindiki.
“Last week Governor Njuki brought Waiguru to Chuka while knowing very well that she is out to dethrone Prof Kindiki. I was shocked to see our own people applaud her. I felt like stoning you because that is being foolish,” said Munene in remarks that have since sparked debate.
He further alleged that Waiguru had recently made public political apologies regarding the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, suggesting this was part of her broader political ambitions.
Mr Muriuki accused Governor Njuki of undermining Prof Kindiki’s political standing in the region and ‘fighting’ him.
“Njuki has never believed that Prof Kindiki, whom he once competed against, rose to become Deputy President of Kenya. I am only restraining myself from insulting him, but the right time will come,” said Muriuki.
Igambang’ombe MCA Njeru Ingara also urged residents to be cautious about welcoming leaders he said could pose a political threat to Prof Kindiki, arguing that such figures should be treated as political adversaries.
“Governor Njuki does not believe that Prof Kindiki rose to the DP position,” said Ingara.
However, the remarks were swiftly countered by Mariani Ward MCA Anita Mbae, who dismissed the allegations and defended Njuki’s relationship with Waiguru, describing it as cordial and long-standing.
“When we buried the Governor’s mother-in-law, Governor Waiguru was present. When we buried the father-in-law late last year, she was there, and even during the burial of the Governor’s mother in 2019, she attended. I would like to know whether this is Muriuki’s personal opinion or an official position from the ODP,” Mbae wrote on Facebook.
Sabastian Mwangangi, a close ally of DP Kindiki and a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) official, also dismissed the claims, urging leaders to avoid dragging national leadership into local political disputes.
“Waiguru poses almost near zero threat. Invoking her name is not necessary at the moment. Let leaders focus on MP, Senator and Governor races locally without nationalising county politics,” he said in a Facebook post.
During the fundraiser for the construction of PCEA JNMC Church in Rubate, Magumoni Ward, Njuki praised DP Kindiki and expressed confidence in President Ruto’s re-election prospects, pledging strong regional support.
“As a county and region, we are proud of what you are doing and we will ensure the opposition does not get votes here come next year,” said Njuki.
The remarks by leaders allied to the Deputy President have since triggered mixed reactions among residents, with some warning that the escalating political rhetoric could deepen divisions in the county.
Julius Mutembei, a Chuka resident, said Njuki has consistently supported Prof Kindiki and urged leaders to avoid divisive politics.
“Prof Kindiki needs all leaders from his home county. A divided home base weakens his political standing,” he said.
Jennifer Kendi from Chogoria called on the Deputy President to take charge of his political camp and prevent internal divisions.
“DP Prof Kindiki should demonstrate leadership and ensure that his office staff do not contribute to divisions in the county,” she said.
By the time of going to press, Governor Muthomi Njuki had not responded to the accusations.
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