Iain Njiraini Warns Gachagua That Opposition Could Ghost Him Before 2027 Over Tribal Politics
- A young Kenyan woman confronted Rigathi Gachagua in the US over his use of tribal language at national forums
- Pilot and political analyst Iain Njiraini applauded her boldness, saying the former deputy president must rise above ethnic politics
- Njiraini warned Gachagua risks political isolation unless he embraces inclusive leadership and addresses issues affecting all Kenyans
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
A recent diaspora event in the United States took an unexpected turn when former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua was publicly challenged by a young woman from his own backyard.
Source: UGC
Valentine Wanjiru, a native of Mathira in Nyeri county, the same constituency Gachagua once represented, stood up during a gathering in Baltimore, Maryland, to question the politician’s constant use of the Kikuyu language in public forums.
She said it sent the wrong message and risked deepening ethnic divisions, especially when such forums were meant to unify Kenyans abroad.
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Wanjiru urged Gachagua to rise above tribal politics and present himself as a national figure capable of representing all communities.
What did Njiraini say about Gachagua?
Reacting to the incident, Kenyan pilot and political commentator Iain Njiraini praised Wanjiru for what he called a brave and necessary intervention.
“I was very impressed by the Gen Z in Baltimore who addressed Gachagua and told him to position himself as a national leader and not a tribal leader. I would like to echo those words myself,” he said.
In an Instagram video, Njiraini noted that Gachagua’s public appearances in the US have focused heavily on ethnic narratives, especially highlighting Kikuyu dominance in the economy.
While such comments may appeal to a narrow base, he said, they risk alienating the wider Kenyan audience and undermining national unity.
“Looking at his visit in the US, it's more of a tribesman and not of a national leader. Addressing the crowds in his mother tongue, talking about how Kikuyus run the economy, is a bit over the topic. He should address the plight of all—the plight of the nation—not lean towards his tribe,” Njiraini remarked.
Will the opposition abandon Gachagua before 2027?
Njiraini warned that if Gachagua continues down this path, he may not only lose public support but also face internal friction within the opposition ranks, which include leaders from across the ethnic spectrum.
“Looks like if he continues like that, he may have a huge disagreement with his teammates in the opposition as they hail from other tribes. For him to be president, he needs to stand tall as a national leader,” he added.
Gachagua, who has recently made efforts to rebrand himself politically, was impeached in late 2024. Tribalism was among the issues he was accused of.
Source: UGC
Is Gachagua’s ‘cousins’ narrative losing touch with modern Kenya?
In a related development previously reported by TUKO.co.ke, Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah strongly criticised Gachagua’s "hi cousins" slogan, calling it an outdated and tribal appeal.
He argued that Kenya’s young generation had outgrown ethnic politics and now demanded jobs, progress, and economic reforms.
Wajackoyah questioned the credibility of the opposition leaders rallying behind Gachagua, suggesting that without a unified vision focused on national development, the opposition had little to offer.
According to him, ethnic alliances were no longer a winning formula in a country whose youth were pushing for more meaningful change.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
