MP Sudi to Gachagua: The Problem Might Be You

The Deputy President's unpopularity has been growing especially after his revelations during a TV interview on Friday.

The political landscape in Kenya continues to be turbulent with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua facing mounting criticism and apparent isolation within the government. Recent events have highlighted the growing discord between Gachagua and other key political figures, including President William Ruto's inner circle. In a revealing interview on Citizen TV, Gachagua disclosed that he had been excluded from a WhatsApp group managing President Ruto's events, leading to his absence from several presidential functions. This revelation prompted swift reactions from various political quarters.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has challenged Gachagua to engage in self-reflection, suggesting that the Deputy President's frequent conflicts with other leaders indicate that he might be the source of his own problems. Sudi's critique extends beyond Gachagua, addressing broader issues within Kenyan politics. He candidly admits that politicians often deceive the public and pursue selfish agendas, transforming personal grievances into national issues when their ambitions go unfulfilled. Sudi emphasizes the importance of moving beyond ethnic divisions and praises recent efforts at political cooperation, such as President Ruto's reconciliation with opposition leader Raila Odinga.

The controversy surrounding Gachagua has drawn in other prominent figures with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah accusing the Deputy President of engaging in divisive tribal politics. Ichung'wah dismisses Gachagua's complaints about being removed from the State House WhatsApp group, inviting him to join a different group focused on unity and progress. Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects & Creative Economy, has offered context to the WhatsApp group situation, explaining that it was disbanded to prevent the sharing of sensitive documents through the platform. Itumbi notes that even President Ruto had been removed from the group, suggesting that Gachagua's exclusion was not a targeted action.

Since Gachagua's appointment, he has been a polarizing figure, often clashing with other leaders and facing accusations of promoting tribalism and ethnic politics. Recent claims of being sidelined and rumors of an impeachment plot have further complicated his position within the government. The Deputy President now faces pressure from various directions, including internal government tensions, opposition attacks, legal battles, regional political dynamics, and growing public discontent. In response to these challenges, Gachagua has announced plans to hold public rallies to engage directly with Kenyan citizens and present his perspective on current events.