Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s bitter fallout with President William Ruto has gone from a personal political rivalry to a dangerous national crisis. In his quest to regain political relevance and push the “Wantam” narrative, Gachagua is not just opposing Ruto — he is actively undermining critical national institutions and shaking the foundations of the state.
Instead of offering an alternative vision for Kenya, Gachagua has chosen to burn everything in sight. His attacks on the security apparatus, subtle delegitimization of the Presidency, and open disregard for the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) reveal a politician willing to tear down institutions simply because he’s no longer in power.
What’s worse, he’s dragging Mt. Kenya into his personal war. By ethnicizing his struggle, Gachagua is poisoning the minds of his supporters to distrust institutions that don’t serve his personal ambition. His tribal rhetoric and claims of political betrayal are calculated to consolidate ethnic anger, but the cost is too high — national unity is eroding, and confidence in institutions is being shattered.
This is not how a leader behaves. A former Deputy President should strengthen democracy, not weaken it. Instead, Gachagua has become the architect of institutional sabotage — weakening the very systems he once claimed to defend.
Kenya cannot afford leaders who are willing to bring down the house just because they were kicked out of a room. Gachagua’s path is reckless, selfish, and dangerous. Institutions outlive regimes, and when we destroy them in moments of anger, we destroy the future for everyone.
This country has survived worse — but only because wiser leaders chose nation over ego. It’s time Gachagua was reminded: Kenya is bigger than one man’s bitterness.
