MP Jared Okello Blames Gachagua’s Team for Heckling DP Kindiki in Nyeri

Nyando MP Jared Okello has directly accused allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of orchestrating chaos during Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s recent visit to Nyeri. The incident unfolded in Othaya, where a hostile crowd interrupted Kindiki’s speech by chanting “one term,” a slogan often used to challenge President William Ruto’s chances of securing a second term. 

Okello insists that the heckling was not a spontaneous act but a well-planned move by the “Wamunyoro team,” a faction of opposition leaders reportedly meeting at Gachagua’s residence in Nyeri. He finds the timing suspicious, noting that the disruption happened just a day after President Ruto and his deputy received a warm reception in Homa Bay. According to Okello, the opposition is struggling to accept Ruto’s growing popularity in regions that previously distanced themselves from his administration. 

Furthermore, Okello claims that the hecklers strategically positioned themselves outside the event’s perimeter fence to create the illusion of widespread dissent. He argues that this is a common tactic in Kenyan politics, used to fabricate the impression of unrest. “You can see those few boys chanting ‘Ruto one-term’ were outside the perimeter fence. That in politics is a testament of hired goons to go and cause mayhem,” Okello stated. 

This incident highlights Kenya’s shifting political dynamics, with Gachagua now forging alliances with opposition figures such as Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka, who lead the People’s Liberation Party and Wiper Party, respectively. Other prominent figures in this emerging opposition coalition include former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa. 

Although Gachagua’s camp has not yet responded to Okello’s allegations, political analysts urge caution in drawing conclusions. Eunice Mwangi, a political scientist based in Nyeri, warns that such accusations could deepen political divisions. She acknowledges that heckling often occurs during political rallies and cautions against making assumptions without solid evidence. “It’s part of political theatre. But pointing fingers without hard proof can deepen divides,” she remarked.