Kindiki and Gachagua Clash in Meru Supremacy Battle
MERU, KENYA — A political showdown between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua escalated on Sunday in Meru County.
The clash started at a church service but quickly spilled onto social media. It exposed a growing struggle for influence in the Mt. Kenya region.
The confrontation comes as political camps begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Kaaga Church Standoff
Drama unfolded on Sunday morning at Kaaga Methodist Church in Meru.
Police officers reportedly blocked Gachagua and several opposition leaders from entering the church compound. Among those with him were Kalonzo Musyoka and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
Inside the church, Kindiki attended the service as the guest of honor.
With the gates closed, Gachagua and his allies addressed supporters by the roadside.
Kindiki used the church platform to criticise his predecessor’s political style. He said leadership demands decorum and respect for institutions. He also described Gachagua’s recent political moves as “primitive and bullying.”
The remarks drew applause from supporters inside the church.
“Tuheshimiane”: Gachagua Responds Online
Gachagua later responded through social media.
In a post on X, the former deputy president accused state authorities of using intimidation to silence political rivals.
“Blocking leaders from a house of God is the height of desperation. We must have some decorum in our politics. Tuheshimiane (let us respect one another),” Gachagua wrote.
He added that the alleged intimidation would not stop his political push in the Mt. Kenya region.
The post quickly went viral and fueled online debate about the incident.
Battle for Mt. Kenya East
The rivalry intensified after the Runyenjes Declaration. Elders from Mt. Kenya East publicly endorsed Kindiki’s leadership.
The move dealt a blow to Gachagua, who has tried to maintain influence across the entire Mt. Kenya bloc.
Kindiki’s allies also revived debate about Gachagua’s past role as a District Officer (DO). They argue that his administrative background shaped his leadership style.
Gachagua dismissed the criticism. He accused the current administration of trying to rewrite history to damage his reputation.
High Stakes Ahead of 2027
Political analysts say the rivalry reflects a wider struggle for control of the Mt. Kenya region.
Kindiki appears to be consolidating support through alliances with elders and local leaders. Gachagua, meanwhile, has adopted a different strategy.
He now presents himself as a victim of state pressure and a defender of the region’s political voice.
Attention now turns to the High Court. Judges are expected to issue a ruling on March 19 regarding Kindiki’s eligibility to hold the deputy president’s office.
The decision could strengthen Kindiki’s political position. It could also trigger fresh uncertainty in Mt. Kenya politics.
For now, the Meru confrontation shows one thing clearly: the battle for the Mountain has begun.
