Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of using money and state resources to deepen political divisions in the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua made the accusations on Sunday after violence broke out during a political gathering at Nembure Stadium in Embu County. Two people were reportedly killed and several others injured during clashes involving youths and police.
In a statement, Gachagua linked the unrest to what he described as growing political competition in the region.
“Your level of frustration and desperation is at a historically high level and has led you to shed innocent blood of your kinsmen in Embu today,” he said, addressing Kindiki.
Gachagua, the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, also accused Kindiki of trying to split the region into what he called “imaginary Mt Kenya East and West”.
He claimed President William Ruto had given Kindiki a deadline of October 25, 2026, to pursue the division. Gachagua provided no evidence for the allegation.
“We know, a fact that you cannot deny, that Mr William Ruto gave you a deadline of October 25, 2026, to divide the Mt Kenya Region into an imaginary Mt Kenya East and West,” he said.
The former deputy president also alleged that money was being distributed selectively at political gatherings in Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties in an effort to win political support.
He claimed residents had begun demanding their share of the money.
“On realising that looted cash, which is taxpayers’ money, is being dished out selectively, the people of Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi have decided that they also need to enjoy this cash,” Gachagua said.
He further claimed that the confrontation at Nembure Stadium began after residents sought entry to the venue and demanded money to meet household needs.
“People demanded entry; they also wanted money to buy unga, pay medical bills, pay school fees and meet other needs,” he said.
Gachagua accused police of using excessive force during the confrontation. He said Kindiki had been heard directing officers to act against civilians.
“Kenyans were indiscriminately shot at, two killed and several injured,” he alleged.
The claims could not be independently verified.
Gachagua also rejected the idea that political differences could permanently split the Mt Kenya region.
“I have told you several times… that you cannot divide the mountain; this is an exercise in futility,” he said. “It is easier to cut a Mugumo tree with a razor blade than to divide the mountain.”
He said residents were more interested in public services than political handouts.
“The people of Kenya need services: good roads, clean water, education, healthcare… not handouts, tokens and bribes,” Gachagua said.
The accusations come as political activity intensifies in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
There was no immediate response from Kindiki or President Ruto to Gachagua’s allegations at the time of publication.
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