The five-word post — “Pride comes before a fall…” — was widely interpreted as a thinly veiled jab at his predecessor, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with whom Kindiki has recently clashed publicly during the heated Mbeere North campaigns.
The November 27 by-election gradually morphed into a high-stakes proxy confrontation between the two Mount Kenya political heavyweights.
Kindiki threw his full support behind Muthende, popularly known as Leo Wa Muthende, while Gachagua backed Newton Karish of the Democratic Party (DP).
Throughout the campaign trail, the rivalry between the two leaders escalated, giving the impression that the battle for Mbeere North was more about political supremacy than local representation.
At one rally in Kanyuambora, Kindiki directly addressed Gachagua, warning, “I will deal with you.”
Throughout the campaign trail, the rivalry between the two leaders escalated, giving the impression that the battle for Mbeere North was more about political supremacy than local representation.
At one rally in Kanyuambora, Kindiki directly addressed Gachagua, warning, “I will deal with you.”
He accused the former deputy president of sowing division within the constituency and promised to “silence” him politically through the ballot.
Gachagua did not hold back either. He accused Kindiki’s allies of interfering in the by-election, claiming some individuals were attempting to influence the outcome by collecting ID cards from young voters.
Gachagua did not hold back either. He accused Kindiki’s allies of interfering in the by-election, claiming some individuals were attempting to influence the outcome by collecting ID cards from young voters.
He also warned against what he described as rising intimidation in the constituency, urging residents not to allow anyone to suppress their democratic rights.
When results were tallied, Muthende edged out Karish in a tightly contested race. He garnered 15,802 votes against Karish’s 15,308, securing a narrow but decisive victory.
Speaking after being declared MP-elect, Muthende thanked the people of Mbeere North for their confidence in his leadership and pledged to unite the constituency.
“I want to thank the people of Mbeere North, whichever side you chose. I am now a member of the National Assembly. I commit to serve all residents fairly and without discrimination,” he said.
When results were tallied, Muthende edged out Karish in a tightly contested race. He garnered 15,802 votes against Karish’s 15,308, securing a narrow but decisive victory.
Speaking after being declared MP-elect, Muthende thanked the people of Mbeere North for their confidence in his leadership and pledged to unite the constituency.
“I want to thank the people of Mbeere North, whichever side you chose. I am now a member of the National Assembly. I commit to serve all residents fairly and without discrimination,” he said.
He further promised equitable distribution of bursaries, support for day secondary school learners, and accelerated development across the constituency.
Kindiki’s timing — releasing the cryptic message shortly after the official results — fuelled speculation that the Deputy President was indirectly celebrating what he viewed as a political defeat for Gachagua.
Kindiki’s timing — releasing the cryptic message shortly after the official results — fuelled speculation that the Deputy President was indirectly celebrating what he viewed as a political defeat for Gachagua.
The post quickly went viral across X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok, attracting thousands of comments.
Many users interpreted the statement as confirmation of the deepening political rift between the two former allies, while others urged both leaders to focus on national unity rather than political rivalry.
Political Implications
The Mbeere North contest has amplified simmering tensions within the Mount Kenya political space as leaders position themselves ahead of future elections.
Many users interpreted the statement as confirmation of the deepening political rift between the two former allies, while others urged both leaders to focus on national unity rather than political rivalry.
Political Implications
The Mbeere North contest has amplified simmering tensions within the Mount Kenya political space as leaders position themselves ahead of future elections.
While neither Kindiki nor Gachagua has publicly admitted to being in a political feud, their exchanges during the campaign and the reactions to Kindiki’s post indicate an intensifying power struggle.
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