The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has rejected claims that he is a tribal leader, insisting he is a nationalist dedicated to uniting Kenyans.
In a Tuesday night interview on Citizen TV, Gachagua said his critics had misinterpreted his affection for his community as tribalism.
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“I am a committed nationalist. I have never spoken against other communities. Loving my people does not mean I despise others. I challenge anyone to cite a single instance where I attacked fellow Kenyans,” he said.
He cited his backing of President William Ruto during the 2022 elections as proof that he does not engage in ethnic politics, blaming political rivals for pushing the tribal tag after his fallout with the Head of State.
“Some of those who stood with me when I was in government are now spreading this tribal narrative for political gain,” he claimed.
Gachagua also defended his recent US tour, saying he met Kenyans from diverse backgrounds and spoke to groups that invited him. He emphasized that ethnic languages are part of Kenya’s identity and should not be a source of shame.
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But his remarks drew criticism from young Kenyans in the diaspora, especially Gen Zs, who accused him of failing to transcend ethnic politics.
At a town hall in Baltimore, Valentine Wanjiru Githae of the youth-led 625 Movement confronted him, warning that divisive rhetoric could erode national unity.
“We are Gen Zs and we must speak the truth. Otherwise, Kenya risks failing. If you want to challenge President Ruto in 2027, you must embrace a broader Kenyan identity,” she told him.
Wanjiru, a native of Mathira, also faulted Gachagua for opening the meeting in Kikuyu, saying it set the wrong tone.
“If you position yourself as Kikuyu, others will follow suit, and we’ll be back to tribal divisions,” she cautioned.
She further criticized his Boston comments where he hailed the Kikuyu as the “drivers of Kenya’s economy,” arguing that the remark overlooked other communities’ contributions.
“We cannot brand some tribes as more hardworking than others. This entitlement must stop. If I don’t tell you this truth, Mheshimiwa, I fail you,” she said.
In response, Gachagua maintained that accusations of tribalism were a political ploy by his detractors, insisting he remains a nationalist.
