President William Ruto has intensified his criticism of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting politics of insults and tribalism.

The President’s remarks were backed by his deputy Prof. Kithure Kindiki and several Members of Parliament, who dismissed Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) as colourless and tribal.

Speaking during an inspection of the multi-million-shilling Galana Kulalu irrigation project in Tana River County on Friday, the President said: “Hakuna mtu atapata kura ati kwa sababu alikuwa na matusi mingi. Mtu atapatiwa kura kwa sababu kuna kazi amefanya na inaonekana na wananchi.”

The President urged leaders to tone down political tensions, saying heightened politics have stalled development.

”Sio wakati wa siasa…sio wakati wa marengo, kabila, dini sijui chama…wakati huu ni sote tuungane na kushughulika na mambo ya muhimu ambayo yatabadilisha maisha ya Wakenya,” he stated.

The sentiments were echoed by DP Kindiki during his tour of Murang’a and Meru counties.

“Sisi kama viongozi tumekataa siasa za mapema, wale wanaomba viti wajue hakuna uchaguzi sai, wangojee siku ya uchaguzi tutanyoroshana na siasa ya siku hiyo,” stated the DP.

Meanwhile, another group of lawmakers led by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet praised the Head of State while dismissing Gachagua’s party.

“Kuna mambo mengi ambayo Mheshimiwa Ruto amefanya. Ukiangalia miaka miwili na nusu ambayo imepita, huwezi kuilinganisha na miaka kumi ambayo ilitangulia,” said Speaker Kingi.

MP Kibwezi West Mwengi Mutuse, who moved the impeachment motion against Gachagua, on his part said; “Tunataka wananchi wa Kenya tumalize umaskini, na kuna wale wengine ambao wanataka kuleta vita.

“(Mutuse) amefukuza mkabila hadi ameenda kuanzisha chama cha Divide Community Party…Huyu kijana Mutuse ni kiongozi ambaye atakuja kutawala Kenya siku moja,” said Farouk Kibet.

Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi added: “They started a party that is colourless, very disorganized, and a very tasteless party.”