Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had a torrid time during an empowerment event in Othaya, Nyeri County, as a section of youth threatened to storm the event, chanting 'wantam' slogans from outside the perimeter fence.
Kindiki, who was in Othaya to commission the construction of the Othaya Modern Community Stadium, almost saw his venture derailed by hundreds of youth who were camped outside the venue.
Videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke painted a harrowing picture, as the youth openly heckled the Second in Command using the popular chant 'Wantam', which is being popularised by former DP Rigathi Gachagua in the Mount Kenya region.
While security personnel were present at the event, additional police officers were eventually deployed at the scene to maintain order as the event proceeded inside the stadium.
At the event, Kindiki, who has developed a fiery persona in recent times, was critical of the protestors and Gachagua, whom he accused of resorting to intimidation tactics, particularly towards Mount Kenya leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza government.
“This habit of leaders intimidating others must stop. We must respect one another. Respect is not servitude," an animated Kindiki said.
He added, “You cannot show up acting as if you are the only leader who knows everything… that only you should be listened to. Are you God?"
While he did not directly mention Gachagua, the DP aimed a thinly veiled dig at his predecessor, accusing him of attacking anyone who did not conform to his political ways, including musicians.
"Now you are attacking everyone. You attack musicians, you attack leaders, you attack anyone who crosses your path. How do you expect the world to function if you are the only one who is popular, knowledgeable, and clever? We are all important in the eyes of God. Everyone has something to contribute to society and to progress," Kindiki insists.
Earlier on Wednesday, Kindiki also sought to dispel reports of a fallout with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire after meeting the county boss in his Karen residence.
While Deputy President Kindiki was in Nyeri, widely regarded as Rigathi Gachagua’s political stronghold, the former DP held a simultaneous public address in Kikuyu, where he continued to advance the ‘One Term’ agenda.
Hours after Kindiki's hostile reception in Nyeri, questions have started emerging on the state of the political climate in the Mount Kenya region. Despite Gachagua enjoying influence in the region, some lawmakers believe the former DP could be resorting to dirty tricks to get an edge over his political adversaries.
Nyando Member of Parliament Jared Okello was particularly critical of the events in Nyeri, as he alleged that everything Kindiki was subjected to was by design.
"Kindiki being heckled in Othaya right after President Ruto’s thunderous welcome in Homa Bay is not coincidental. They were a hired team, organised by Wamunyoro's team, who are still nursing their impeachment disorder," Okello, who was elected on an ODM ticket, claimed.
