Silence Or Strategy? Gachagua’s Response To Kahiga’s Viral Remarks Raises Eyebrows

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reportedly moved to distance himself from the controversial remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga regarding the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The governor’s comments, which surfaced in a viral video circulating widely across social media platforms, have ignited public outrage and sharp condemnation from leaders across the political divide.

In the video, Governor Kahiga appeared to suggest that Raila’s death was an act of divine retribution, claiming that President William Ruto had focused development projects in the Nyanza and Western regions while neglecting the Mount Kenya region.

His remarks were interpreted by many as insensitive and celebratory in tone, coming at a time when the nation is still mourning the passing of a veteran opposition figure who played a central role in shaping Kenya’s political history.

Sources close to Gachagua indicate that the former Deputy President was “deeply unsettled” by Kahiga’s statements and has privately expressed disapproval over the tone and timing of the governor’s comments.

Reports suggest that Gachagua has urged leaders from the Mount Kenya region to exercise restraint and avoid utterances that could inflame emotions or create further divisions in an already tense political environment.

According to political insiders, Gachagua, who has been working to rebuild his political influence in the region, views Kahiga’s remarks as both reckless and damaging to the image of Mount Kenya leadership.

The former DP is said to believe that such comments could undermine the efforts of regional leaders to promote unity and reconciliation during a moment of national mourning.

While Gachagua has not made a public statement directly addressing the issue, sources suggest he has quietly reached out to key allies, advising them to refrain from making public comments that could be interpreted as disrespectful to the late Raila Odinga or his supporters.

Analysts note that Gachagua’s measured approach signals an attempt to protect his political brand and avoid being associated with divisive rhetoric at a critical juncture.

Meanwhile, Governor Kahiga continues to face backlash from various quarters, with several leaders calling on him to apologize publicly for his remarks.

Many Kenyans have taken to social media to condemn his statement, describing it as distasteful and uncalled for.

As the controversy continues to unfold, all eyes are now on how Gachagua and other Mount Kenya leaders will navigate the growing political storm triggered by Kahiga’s comments.