Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on January 30 revealed that he had a heated exchange with Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire, a close ally of President William Ruto, over her perceived lack of allegiance to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
The confrontation, captured in a video clip widely circulated online, has sparked discussions about internal tensions within the Kenya Kwanza government.
Kithure Kindiki chats with Moses Wetangula during Mashujaa Day celebrations event in Kwale County on October 20, 2024. Photo: kithure Kindiki Source: Facebook
In the video, Kindiki expressed his frustration with Mbarire, questioning why she appeared reluctant to fully associate herself with the UDA party.
The Deputy President, visibly angered, emphasized that he would no longer tolerate leaders who “blow hot and cold” in their support for President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Kakamega Senator Boniface Khalwale, among others, has since reacted to the clip, further fueling the debate.
The confrontation comes amid growing dissent in Embu County, where some leaders have shown hostility toward President Ruto’s leadership.
Mbarire, has recently been accused of wavering in her commitment to the ruling party.
Kindiki’s public rebuke of Mbarire underscores the deepening divisions within the UDA party as the 2027 elections approach.
While the Deputy President has made it clear that he will not entertain lukewarm loyalty, it remains unclear whether Mbarire will face any formal repercussions.
Political analysts suggest that her fate could depend on her ability to reconcile with the party’s top leadership and reaffirm her commitment to the Kenya Kwanza agenda.
The incident has also highlighted the challenges facing President Ruto’s administration as it seeks to maintain unity within its ranks.
With internal conflicts threatening to undermine the ruling coalition’s cohesion, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the Kenya Kwanza government can present a united front ahead of the next general election.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on Embu County and Governor Mbarire, whose next moves could either ease tensions or further escalate the rift within the UDA party.
