NAIROBI, KENYA – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has publicly disclosed the intense political maneuvering that preceded the 2022 General Election, claiming that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua secured the Kenya Kwanza running mate position through “blackmail” and pressure tactics. Speaking on Sunday, November 23, 2025, during a heated by-election campaign in Mbeere North, Kindiki asserted that Gachagua threatened a last-minute walkout from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to force his nomination.

“The party felt he was unsuitable, but he was adamant. We were desperate for a win,” Kindiki stated during a campaign rally for UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende. He alleged that Gachagua orchestrated protests with the chant 'No Rigathi, no Ruto' to pressure the party leadership, which was then locked in tense negotiations. “We ceded ground to him to form the government,” Kindiki added, framing the decision as a pragmatic choice to avoid a fatal split in the coalition just months before the polls.

These revelations reignite the long-simmering rivalry between two of the most powerful figures from the vote-rich Mount Kenya region and provide new context to the intricate power dynamics within President William Ruto's administration.

A Look Back at the 17-Hour Standoff

The selection of President Ruto's running mate in May 2022 was a dramatic, drawn-out affair that culminated in a 17-hour deadlock at the then-Deputy President's official residence in Karen. At the time, Kindiki, then the Tharaka Nithi Senator, was widely seen as the frontrunner. Multiple reports from the period confirmed that Kindiki had outperformed Gachagua in internal polls and had secured the backing of a majority of Mt. Kenya MPs in an electoral college vote held to break the impasse. Out of 31 UDA MPs from the region, 22 reportedly voted for Kindiki, while only five backed Gachagua.

Despite this, Ruto ultimately announced Gachagua as his running mate on May 15, 2022. In public statements following the decision, Ruto described Gachagua as a “strong personality,” an “astute debater,” and a “fearless fighter” who understood the issues facing ordinary people. Gachagua, in turn, pledged his unwavering loyalty, dismissing concerns that his strong character could lead to friction, similar to the strained relationship between then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto.

Kindiki was conspicuously absent from the unveiling ceremony. A day later, on May 16, 2022, he announced he would take a break from elective politics after the August election, a move seen as a direct consequence of being passed over.

Implications for 2027 and Mt. Kenya Politics

Kindiki’s recent statements have been made in the context of a fierce local contest in Mbeere North, which has become a proxy battleground for regional supremacy between him and Gachagua. Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024 over charges of gross misconduct and constitutional violations, is campaigning for the United Opposition candidate, Newton Kariuki. The by-election, scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, is widely viewed as a test of political clout for both leaders.

Political analysts suggest the outcome will significantly influence President Ruto's strategic calculations for the 2027 General Election, particularly his choice of a running mate. A victory for the UDA candidate would bolster Kindiki's standing as the preeminent leader in Mt. Kenya and strengthen his position within the ruling party. Conversely, a loss could expose his political vulnerabilities and embolden Gachagua's faction.

The public feud underscores the deep divisions that have persisted since the 2022 running mate selection. While Kindiki accepted the powerful Interior docket, the rivalry has continued, often playing out in public spats over regional development and political influence. President Ruto has largely remained on the sidelines of the by-election campaigns, a move interpreted by some pundits as a deliberate strategy to gauge the individual political strength of his key allies. Kindiki's decision to now reveal these details suggests a calculated move to redefine the narrative of the 2022 decision and assert his own political legitimacy as he navigates the complex succession landscape.