Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has sharply criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of making his impeachment a “national crisis” and issuing reckless threats reminiscent of the 2007 post-election violence.
Kihika’s outburst follows Gachagua’s recent interview where he warned of dire consequences should the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) attempt to manipulate the 2027 general election. Gachagua stated, “If that IEBC tries to mess with the election, there will be no country here, 2007 will look like a Christmas party.” He further cautioned against “forcing William Ruto on the people of Kenya,” citing public impatience for change.
Governor Kihika, whose county experienced the brunt of the 2007/8 violence, condemned Gachagua’s remarks as “extremely reckless.” Taking to social media, she stated, “This is an extremely reckless statement from a so-called leader. Coming from a County that bore the brunt of the 2007/8 post-election violence, this is unacceptable.”
She further admonished Gachagua, saying, “Mr. Gachagua must be called out by all right-thinking Kenyans, and he must stop imagining that his impeachment is a national crisis for which the Country should burn. In the words of Prof. George Saitoti, ‘there comes a time when a Country is bigger than an individual.’ Mr. Gachagua, that time is now.”
Meanwhile, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi echoed Kihika’s sentiments, denouncing “beating drums of war and inciteful utterances” as retrogressive. He emphasized that “no Kenyan will ever rise against his fellow Kenyan because of tribal nonsense,” and urged leaders to resolve their disputes without inciting violence. He concluded, “Kenyans are not stupid to hack each other so that you can come to one table and negotiate for power sharing.”
