Kenya Kwanza presidential running mate Rigathi Gachagua sparked outrage on social media after remarks about Kalenjin youths went viral.
Gachagua, speaking at a rally in Njoro on Friday, urged Kalenjin youths involved in cattle rustling to abandon the practice.
“Vijana wetu wa hapa wa jamii yetu ya Kalenjin ambao kazi yao ni kuiba ng’ombe na mifugo, tumeomba watu wawachane na mifugo ya wenyewe kila mtu achunge ng’ombe yake,” Gachagua said.
“Vijana wetu hapa wa jamii ya Kalenjin, mambo ya wizi wa ngómbe ya jamii zingine tuwachane nayo. Tuheshimiane na kila mtu akule mali yake.”
This loosely translates to: “Our youths from the Kalenjin community, who are fond of stealing cattle, we ask you to stop the vice and let everyone guard his livestock. Our Kalenjinn youths, let us stop the vice of stealing cows from other communities. Let us respect each other and allow everyone to enjoy their wealth”.
The remarks sparked a massive debate on social media, with Kenyans reacting in different ways.
While some Kenyans accused Gachagua of profiling members of the Kalenjin community, others defended him, claiming he was providing fatherly advice.
These are some of the reactions from a section of Kenyan:
Robert Nicholas
This guy has gone to the books of history for causing his candidate to lose an election
Jacob Nyaundi:
“Gachagua is Azimio’s blessings God made it possible for him to be Ruto’s deputy which makes Ruto’s journey back to Sugoi”
Cherwon Munishi
I don’t believe it was an insult but a piece of advice to the would-be cattle rustlers and others in stock theft lifestyles… For this I see nothing offending… it is true we have cattle rustlers in Kerio Valley and W. Pokot and this was fatherly advice to the culprits.
Vybz Kita
Alisema wenye wanaiba ngombe, he didn’t generalize but if you have skewed mind, you will generalize
Mac Koko
“Gachagua is doing great …apewe mic”
Emily Mwangi
This guy speaks the truth always
Lydia Sitati
Mimi napenda rigathi ye anasema ukweli,vijana wacheni wizi wangombe…
