DP Kindiki alleges Gachagua lost D.O job for stealing relief food

Speaking during a public engagement in Garissa on Wednesday, Kindiki said leaders should focus on practical solutions rather than politicising humanitarian interventions.

“These political brokers should stop turning drought into a campaign tool and instead offer practical solutions,” Kindiki said, adding: “This government is focused on solving Kenya’s problems one by one, step by step, under President William Ruto.”

In a pointed remark aimed at Gachagua, Kindiki alleged that the former deputy president was previously dismissed from public service for misconduct linked to drought relief.

“You were sacked as a District Officer (DO) for stealing food meant for drought relief. You have no moral authority to give lectures on drought mitigation,” Kindiki said.

Kindiki also framed the dispute as a test of performance, arguing that government leadership should be judged on service delivery rather than political slogans.

“As Duale said, ‘You will not compete with us. You do not have the capacity.’ Leadership is about results,” he said.

“Don’t invite us to a contest if you’re not ready to measure performance. We are confident in our record.”

He said criticism is easy, but delivering development and assistance is what distinguishes leadership.

“It is easy to criticize from the sidelines, but leadership is proven through development and service delivery. Start by transforming your own backyard before lecturing the nation on drought mitigation,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President further questioned Gachagua’s ability to build political consensus, saying this was central to national leadership.

“If you cannot build consensus with your own MCA and MP, how will you unite the country?” he asked.

Kindiki also cautioned politicians against treating voters as political property, saying leadership must be earned.

“Kenyan voters are not commodities to be ‘kept in pockets.’ Leadership is earned through trust and delivery,” he said.

Gachagua has recently criticised the government’s drought response, arguing that funding approved for drought mitigation is insufficient and calling for the situation in northern Kenya to be declared a national disaster.

The government has maintained that it is rolling out targeted interventions in affected counties and says support will continue as needed.