NAIROBI,Kenya Aug 21 – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has intensified his political attacks on his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him and other opposition figures of relying on personal attacks and nicknames instead of presenting Kenyans with a development agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election.

📻 Breaking It Down

Speaking while addressing newly elected United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots officials, Prof Kindiki urged the party’s polling-station leaders to defend President William Ruto’s administration by highlighting what he described as its achievements since taking office in 2022.

He dismissed opposition messaging centred on the nicknames “Kasongo” and “Soprano”, which have increasingly featured in political exchanges involving President Ruto and the Deputy President.

“They call the President Kasongo and call me Soprano. You are a foolish grown-up if you think calling someone a nickname is a big deal,” Kindiki said, describing the exchanges as “children’s play”.

📌 What You Need to Know

The Deputy President said political opponents should instead explain what they would do to improve roads, education, healthcare, agriculture and other sectors.

“Those who have no agenda, their work is simply Kasongo and Soprano saying that someone should serve only one term and then leave. That is not an agenda; it is foolishness,” he said.

The remarks are part of a growing confrontation between Kindiki and Gachagua, who has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the Ruto administration since his removal from office in 2024.

Kindiki has in recent weeks stepped up his criticism of Gachagua as political competition ahead of the 2027 elections intensifies. On August 15, he accused the former Deputy President of arrogance and warned that his political approach would eventually catch up with him.

The Deputy President has also been positioning himself as a key political voice in the Mount Kenya region. Earlier this month, elders associated with the Njuri Ncheke endorsed him as a regional spokesperson and backed President Ruto’s bid for a second term.

In his latest remarks, Kindiki appeared to directly challenge Gachagua’s political influence, saying leaders should be judged by their ideas and contribution to national development rather than personal attacks.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya