Speaking during an interview with several Northern and Eastern local media stations on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the former Deputy President accused his successor of prioritising catchy political phrases over meaningful leadership.
Gachagua took issue with Kindiki’s repeated use of slogans such as “fire si fire”, “noma si noma” and “mbegwese”, arguing that they have become substitutes for action at a time when communities are grappling with a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Gachagua said the drought ravaging parts of Northern Kenya has persisted for months, disrupting livelihoods, education and access to basic necessities.
He faulted the Deputy President for what he termed as silence and inaction, noting that Kindiki should have convened high-level meetings with leaders from the affected regions to craft practical interventions.
According to Gachagua, the second-in-command ought to be at the forefront of coordinating relief efforts, mobilising resources and pushing for urgent policy responses within government.
Instead, he claimed, Kindiki has been focused on advancing political messaging that adds little value to struggling citizens.
The former Deputy President, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), argued that leadership demands seriousness and empathy, especially when Kenyans are facing climate-related disasters.
He maintained that slogans may excite crowds at rallies but do not put food on the table or keep children in school in drought-stricken areas.
Gachagua also suggested that the continued use of such phrases is part of early political mobilisation aimed at the 2027 General Election, rather than a genuine commitment to solving immediate problems.
Kindiki has often used the slogans to project political confidence and to rally support around President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua criticised what he described as trivialisation of leadership, saying Kenyans deserve practical solutions, not theatrics.
He called on national leaders to rise above political showmanship and focus on delivering tangible results.
The remarks add to the growing political tension between the former Deputy President and the current administration, with the drought in Northern Kenya increasingly becoming a focal point of criticism against the government’s response.
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