Wantam! Deputy President Kindiki Faces Hostile Reception in Nyeri as Political Tensions Escalate

Othaya, Nyeri County – Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki encountered a hostile crowd during a development event in Othaya, Nyeri County on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, highlighting the deepening political divisions in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 elections.

The incident occurred as Kindiki presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Othaya Modern Community Stadium.

A group of youths gathered outside the stadium’s perimeter fence, chanting “one term” and “wantam” slogans – phrases that have become rallying cries against President William Ruto’s administration.

Security officers were forced to disperse the hostile crowd as the event proceeded, with additional police deployed to maintain order.

The disruption appeared orchestrated, with the hecklers strategically positioned outside the venue’s boundaries.

“You could see that the few individuals chanting ‘Ruto one-term’ were positioned outside the perimeter fence,” noted Nyando MP Jared Okelo, who criticized what he termed a “clear sign of hired goons brought in to create chaos.”

Visibly angered by the disruption, Deputy President Kindiki used the opportunity to launch a thinly-veiled attack on his predecessor, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whom he accused of misleading the region and promoting divisive politics.

“You cannot claim that you alone are the wise one and that everyone else is foolish,” Kindiki declared in apparent reference to Gachagua.

“Are you God? Isn’t it only God who knows everything?”

The Deputy President emphasized the need for mutual respect among leaders, stating: “These matters of leaders coming to intimidate other leaders must stop! We must respect each other… respect is not slavery.”

The hostile reception comes amid escalating tensions between Kindiki and Gachagua, who was impeached from the deputy presidency in October 2024.

The “wantam” slogan has become a viral phenomenon, originally stemming from Gachagua’s “one term” attacks on President Ruto during rallies.

Gachagua, who recently launched his Democratic Change Party (DCP) in May 2025, has been actively mobilizing Mount Kenya residents against the Kenya Kwanza administration.

His party operates under the slogan “Skiza Wakenya” (Listen to Kenyans) and has been promoting the narrative that Ruto should serve only one term.

The confrontation in Othaya represents a significant challenge for Kindiki, who has been tasked with consolidating Mount Kenya support for President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.

Despite being a native of the Mount Kenya region, Kindiki found himself in hostile territory that remains strongly loyal to Gachagua.

Recent weeks have seen an escalation in the rivalry between the two leaders, with Gachagua calling for boycotts of artists who attended meetings at Kindiki’s Karen residence.

The former deputy president accused musicians of accepting payments to spread what he termed “misinformation” and undermine regional unity.

Kindiki has dismissed such calls as “empty noise,” announcing plans to invite even more artists to his residence and refusing to be “lectured” by his predecessor.

Several government allies have condemned the heckling incident.

Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, a Ruto ally, urged leaders to focus on unity and constructive dialogue rather than provoking conflict.

The incident has also drawn criticism from those who view it as politically motivated. “It is not happenstance that this is happening a day after the President and his deputy received a thunderous welcome in Homa Bay,” observed MP Okelo.

The Othaya incident shows the challenges facing the Kenya Kwanza administration in maintaining unity within the Mount Kenya region, traditionally a crucial voting bloc in Kenyan politics.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the political temperature continues to rise as various factions position themselves for the anticipated contest.

Kindiki’s ability to overcome the hostility and win over Gachagua’s supporters will be crucial for President Ruto’s re-election prospects.

The Deputy President has vowed that the Kenya Kwanza administration will not be distracted from delivering on its promises to Kenyans despite the political opposition.