Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to his supporters in the Mount Kenya region to refrain from publicly expressing dissatisfaction following his recent removal from office.
His comments came during a send-off ceremony for Lucy Wambui, who died due to complications from a botched surgery.
In a surprising twist during a time of political unrest, Gachagua insisted that the reaction to his impeachment should not disturb his community. “I want to tell the people of our region not to get worried. Many are calling me, asking what’s going to happen. Please don’t worry. Our community is very unique and many people are shocked,” he said, addressing the crowd.
He emphasized that while outsiders anticipated chaos and protests, the people of Mount Kenya would remain dignified in their response. “They expected people to go to the streets, lighting bonfires, destroying vehicles and shouting. No, that is not who we are,” Gachagua stated. “When we feel offended and we feel bad, we keep quiet. If you must express yourself, do it through song and dance.”
Gachagua’s political future was jeopardized when a three-judge bench—Justices Freda Mugambi, Anthony Mrima, and Eric Ogolla—lifted court orders that had previously blocked the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as the current Deputy President. Gachagua, who claims to have spearheaded numerous legal battles with the support of over 20 lawyers, saw each of his attempts to reclaim his position dismissed by the courts.
As he faces this setback, Gachagua has yet to outline his next steps in seeking legal recourse. However, he urged his constituents to remain hopeful despite his apparent exclusion from the administration he helped bring to power.
The atmosphere within the Mt Kenya region remains charged as Gachagua’s supporters grapple with the political landscape, waiting to see how the former Deputy President plans to navigate his newfound challenges. With calls for calm resonating through his appeals, it remains to be seen whether his community will heed his message in the face of ongoing political upheaval.
