Kindiki warns Kalonzo over Ojwang and Gen Z blood remarks

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a sharp warning to Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, cautioning him against spreading what he termed “falsehoods” about the Kenya Kwanza government.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, Kindiki expressed respect for Musyoka but warned that he would “happily tackle him head-on” if the opposition leader persists with unprovoked accusations.

The remarks follow Musyoka’s public rejection of Kindiki’s overtures to join the government, with the Wiper leader accusing the administration of having “Gen Z blood on its hands” in reference to the deaths of protesters, including Albert Ojwang.

Speaking at an event in Wote, Makueni County, on June 14, Kindiki had described Musyoka as a “big brother” and expressed his intent to collaborate on regional development, dismissing claims of enmity between them.

“I hear my big brother Kalonzo has said he doesn’t wish to work with me politically. That is fine with me,” Kindiki said. “For the unkind things he has said about me, I won’t answer him back publicly, not because I can’t, but because I never do public duels with people I respect.” However, he emphasized that “respect is a two-way street,” signaling a potential escalation if Musyoka continues his criticisms.

Musyoka, in a statement on X, dismissed Kindiki’s outreach as a “diversionary tactic” aimed at dividing the opposition, reaffirming his commitment to remain in opposition and hold the government accountable.

The exchange comes amid Kindiki’s high-profile tour of the Ukambani region, a traditional stronghold of Musyoka’s Wiper Party, where he has been promoting development projects and urging unity.

Political analysts suggest the verbal sparring reflects deeper tensions as the Kenya Kwanza alliance seeks to weaken opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kindiki’s remarks also appear to counter Musyoka’s recent alliance with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which has raised concerns within the ruling coalition about a potential coalition of the Gikuyu, Embu, Meru, and Akamba communities.

As the political landscape heats up, Kindiki reiterated the government’s commitment to its development agenda, stating, “The government’s development agenda for all the people of this nation will continue undeterred, irrespective of who is working with whom.”