‘Wamama Hawajalalamika’: Kindiki Hits Back at Gachagua Over Voice Jibes

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over repeated remarks about his voice, responding with humour during a meeting with grassroots leaders in Embu County on Friday.

Kindiki questioned why Gachagua was concerned about his voice when, he said, women had not raised any objections. “Unaenda kuongea mambo ya sauti ya mwanaume, wamama hawajalalamika. Wewe unalalamika kama nani, unatafuta nini?” he said.

The remarks appeared to respond directly to Gachagua, who has repeatedly mocked Kindiki’s voice and its tonal variations at public rallies. Gachagua has at times referred to Kindiki as “Soprano” in reference to his distinctive delivery.

The exchange comes amid a wider political rivalry between the two men. Gachagua has criticised Kindiki’s performance in government and challenged him to show what he has achieved since becoming Deputy President.

Kindiki has dismissed such criticism as largely personal, arguing that Gachagua’s attacks do little to advance substantive political debate. He has also accused his predecessor of contributing to political divisions rather than focusing on national issues.

The rivalry followed a major political break between the two former allies in President William Ruto’s administration. Gachagua was impeached in October 2024, after which Kindiki was elevated to the position of Deputy President.

Gachagua has since emerged as a prominent critic of the government and has positioned his Democracy for Citizens Party as a vehicle for political influence ahead of the 2027 general election. His ongoing tour of the United States has been presented as an effort to make political decisions without pressure from actors in Kenya.