Rigathi Gachagua is no ordinary politician. He is a man who has held the second-highest office in Kenya and still commands a loyal following, especially in the Mt. Kenya region. But with influence comes responsibility.
And when that influence is used to ignite chaos, challenge national stability, and indirectly call for insurrection, it must be addressed.
Gachagua’s recent conduct is not just reckless—it’s dangerous. The Kenyan government must arrest him, not out of political revenge, but in the name of justice, peace, and accountability. His words have sparked unrest before, and they could do so again.
Is Gachagua Arrest a Matter of National Security?
The events of June 25, 2024, were not spontaneous. Thousands of angry citizens stormed Parliament in protest of the Finance Bill 2024. It was an explosive day—fires were lit, property was destroyed, and 19 Kenyans lost their lives. While the bill was vetoed, the scars of that day remain.
Evidence and allegations now suggest that behind the scenes, politicians with personal ambitions—especially from Mt. Kenya—may have exploited the protests for darker motives.
According to Belgut MP Nelson Koech, Gachagua is being investigated for his role in inciting this chaos. Koech believes Gachagua and his allies had one goal: to use the unrest as a trigger for President William Ruto’s resignation, so Gachagua could ascend to the presidency. This is not just political rivalry—it’s treasonous behavior masked as protest.
Gachagua’s connection to the protest may not be direct, but it is potent. His history of fiery remarks, thinly veiled threats, and tribal rhetoric reveals a man who believes he is untouchable. And that’s what makes him dangerous. As Koech put it, Gachagua does not need power to cause chaos—his words are enough.
If Kenya is to uphold the rule of law, then no individual, no matter how popular or well-connected, should escape accountability. The government must show that leadership carries consequences, and that inciting national unrest is a line that must not be crossed.
Gachagua’s Words Are Fuel for Violence
Gachagua’s statements in recent weeks have only made things worse. He warned that the 2027 elections might mirror the bloodshed of 2007–2008 if the electoral commission dares to “force” President Ruto onto the people. These are not the words of a patriot. These are the words of someone fanning the flames of violence in a fragile democracy.
By invoking the memory of one of the darkest moments in Kenya’s history, Gachagua is sending a dangerous signal: that if things don’t go his way, violence is acceptable. This is reckless. Such comments stir fear, deepen division, and lay the foundation for further unrest.
Let us be clear. Kenya has moved on from the politics of fear and bloodshed. We cannot allow leaders to drag us back. It is unacceptable for a former Deputy President to threaten national peace in pursuit of political relevance. If Gachagua is not held accountable, others will follow his example.
Political Elites Must Be Held Accountable
The 2024 protests were driven by genuine frustration. Young Kenyans took to the streets to oppose a tax-heavy Finance Bill. But behind this genuine movement, there were whispers of manipulation. Several Mt. Kenya leaders, aligned with Gachagua, allegedly used the opportunity to sow confusion, mobilize goons, and turn the protest into a power play.
This cannot be ignored. Kenya has a long history of political betrayal and tribal manipulation. Arresting Gachagua would send a powerful message to all leaders: that using national crises to push personal agendas will not be tolerated.
It is time to strip away the culture of impunity. No amount of tribal backing should shield anyone from justice. The law must be applied equally, whether one is a protester on the street or a former Deputy President whispering chaos from behind closed doors.
