Ngaruiya Jr Hits Back at Gachagua’s Claim He’s a Class 2 Dropout with Political Ambitions: "Alikosa"
- Rigathi Gachagua questioned Ngaruiya Junior’s academic ability to serve as an MP, alleging he was a Class 2 dropout and could not express himself in English
- Ngaruiya hit back, saying Gachagua disrespected countless Kenyans who lacked formal education due to poverty or personal struggles, including himself
- Social media users were divided, with some joking about Ngaruiya’s speech skills while others defended his right to lead despite lacking formal education
Popular Kikuyu gospel singer Ngaruiya Junior has hit back strongly at Rigathi Gachagua following a scathing attack on his academic background and political ambitions.
Source: Facebook
What did Gachagua say about Ngaruiya?
The singer found himself at the centre of controversy after being spotted at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s official Karen residence alongside other Kikuyu musicians.
While the visit itself raised eyebrows, it was Ngaruiya’s bold praise for Kindiki and apparent shift away from Gachagua’s political camp that sparked a heated war of words between the two.
In a recent public address, Gachagua dismissed Ngaruiya’s qualifications, claiming the singer was unfit to run for public office.
He lamented that Ngaruiya had approached Kindiki to complain about being denied a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket to vie for an elective seat.
Gachagua went further to claim that Ngaruiya had only studied up to Class 2, questioning his ability to represent Mt Kenya constituents and his grasp of the English language.
How did Ngaruiya respond?
However, Ngaruiya has now fired back, criticising Gachagua for looking down on people who never completed formal education.
“I heard him saying I can’t even speak Kiswahili. Let me tell you, old man, some people come from difficult backgrounds where education isn’t always accessible. Some dropped out due to hardship, others from discipline and other issues. By mocking me, Gachagua insulted everyone who lacks a formal education," Ngaruiya explained.
He accused the former deputy president of lacking respect for a huge segment of Kenyans who were unable to finish school, and reminded him that such people are still capable of leading and being embraced by the public.
“The uneducated are the majority, and those are the people God favours and the ones the public accepts. He should stop dismissing or resenting them," Ngaruiya added.
Ngaruiya further explained that even if someone missed out on early education, alternative systems like ngumbaru (adult learning) provide a path for learning later in life.
Watch the video below:
Here are some reactions from social media users:
Shie Njuguna:
"You can't even express yourself in simple kiswahili. Eish so Dreams are left to vanish concentrate on your kigoocho."
Favoured Leah Paul:
"Gachagua didn't have a problem with uneducated people coz God has blessed them much even in business but had a problem with uneducated people vying as law makers in a country (MP's) and they can't express themselves well in parliament only because they are famous or have money."
Beatrice Njuguna:
"Imagine debating in Parliament with the likes of Babu Owino, Otiende, Sifuna...God's favour won't apply coz as a lawmaker (MP) you must read, understand and debate law."
Eunice Maina:
"Why pull others in ur own problem? Gachagua alisema wewe hukosoma so wachana na sisi wengine hatukusoma."
Shie Njuguna:
"Kwani huyu ametoka tanganyika surely he can't express himself in simple English."
Source: Facebook
Did Ruth wa Mum apologise after facing backlash?
In other news, gospel singer Ruth wa Mum yielded to public pressure and issued a formal apology to Kenyans following widespread criticism of her recent visit to Kindiki’s residence in Karen.
The backlash intensified when Gachagua accused them of disregarding the people's political choices, insisting on a public apology or facing a possible fan boycott.
Ruth took to social media seeking forgiveness.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
