Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, impeached in October 2024, continues to fan the flames of division with a dangerous narrative that risks plunging Kenya into chaos.
His baseless claims that the government is targeting Kikuyu businesses in Nairobi and Mt. Kenya, coupled with accusations of state-sponsored “goons” attacking these enterprises, have been debunked by recent events.
The looting of supermarkets in Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Meru, and Murang’a on July 7, 2025, was not the work of government-hired thugs but local criminals exploiting the unrest Gachagua’s rhetoric has incited. His divisive tactics, cloaked in tribal grievance, are a cynical ploy for political relevance that Kenya cannot afford.
Gachagua’s impeachment, a result of his fallout with President William Ruto, stemmed from irreconcilable differences and accusations of disloyalty. Since then, he has waged a relentless campaign against Ruto, claiming the President has betrayed Mt. Kenya and orchestrated a persecution of Kikuyus.
Speaking at a funeral in Nyeri on July 5, Gachagua invoked his aunt’s supposed warning against partnering with Ruto, framing himself as a victim of betrayal while rallying Mt. Kenya against the government. Yet, his narrative crumbles under scrutiny.
The economic hardships—skyrocketing living costs, the contentious housing levy, and an underfunded education system—affect all Kenyans, not just one community. X posts from users like @KaberiaCommoner dismiss the idea that Kikuyus are protesting solely due to Gachagua’s impeachment, noting their disconnection from the government predates his ouster.
The recent violence, tied to the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba protests, saw 11 deaths and widespread looting, with businesses in Mt. Kenya bearing significant losses. While youth-led demonstrations initially targeted corruption and economic mismanagement, Gachagua’s inflammatory rhetoric has hijacked the narrative, turning legitimate grievances into tribal warfare. His actions—such as alleging government-orchestrated chaos—have fueled anarchy, with X user @MKMadoka_ accusing him of enabling looters for personal gain.
Mt. Kenya East elders, in their July 3 Runyenjes Declaration, condemned Gachagua’s “tribal wars,” praising Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and dismissing Gachagua as a divisive figure unfit for leadership. Even his sister-in-law, Margaret Karungaru, has publicly supported Ruto, highlighting a rift within his own circle.
Gachagua’s vow to mobilize “eight million votes” against Ruto in 2027 reeks of desperation, not strategy, as he seeks to avenge his impeachment.
This is not leadership—it is sabotage. Gachagua’s lies about Kikuyu victimhood threaten national unity and embolden lawlessness. President Ruto and Kenya’s institutions must act swiftly to counter this dangerous rhetoric.
The nation’s challenges demand collective solutions, not tribal vendettas. Gachagua’s campaign of division must be stopped before it drags Kenya into deeper turmoil.
