Kindiki Faces Hostile Reception in Nyeri as Youth Chant ‘Wantam’ During Stadium Launch
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki encountered strong resistance during an empowerment event in Othaya, Nyeri County, after a group of youth disrupted proceedings with chants of “Wantam”—a slogan associated with former DP Rigathi Gachagua’s growing movement in the Mt. Kenya region.
Kindiki, who was in the area to launch the construction of the Othaya Modern Community Stadium, faced an agitated crowd of hundreds who gathered outside the venue, shouting slogans and threatening to storm the event. Videos shared online captured the intensity of the protest, with youth openly heckling the Deputy President from beyond the stadium’s perimeter fence.
The chant “Wantam,” derived from Gachagua’s campaign rhetoric for a one-term presidency, has become symbolic of rising political tensions in the region. As the chants grew louder, additional security was deployed to reinforce order and allow the event to continue.
Addressing the tension, Kindiki condemned the show of force and what he termed as growing political intimidation. Though he did not name Gachagua directly, the Deputy President delivered a pointed critique aimed at his predecessor, accusing him of silencing dissenting voices within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“This habit of leaders intimidating others must stop. We must respect one another. Respect is not servitude,” Kindiki stated firmly.
“You cannot act like you’re the only one who knows everything. Are you God? You attack leaders, musicians, anyone who disagrees with you. That’s not leadership.”
Earlier the same day, Kindiki had met with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire at his Karen residence, dismissing claims of internal rifts within Kenya Kwanza’s top ranks.
Meanwhile, Rigathi Gachagua, regarded as the political heavyweight in Mt. Kenya, was addressing a separate rally in Kikuyu, where he doubled down on his “One Term” agenda, further fueling speculation of a deepening political rift.
The developments in Othaya have sparked fresh questions about the political realignments underway in Mt. Kenya. Nyando MP Jared Okello (ODM) weighed in, alleging the heckling was orchestrated.
“Kindiki being heckled in Othaya right after President Ruto’s thunderous welcome in Homa Bay is not coincidental. That crowd was hired. This is the work of Wamunyoro’s camp still reeling from their political misfortunes,” Okello claimed.
As tensions rise, observers warn that Mt. Kenya could become a political battleground ahead of the next election cycle, with internal divisions threatening to shake the unity of the ruling coalition.
