Supporting Rigathi Gachagua today is like trying to sell a product that everyone already returned for being defective. His political baggage is too heavy, his words too divisive, and his record too questionable.
First, Gachagua’s impeachment left a permanent mark. The same Parliament that once defended him turned around and voted him out, citing abuse of office, incitement, and undermining the presidency. When both the National Assembly and the Senate find a leader unfit for office, convincing voters otherwise is like arguing against the referee after a red card.
Second, the man’s name has been dragged through mud — much of it of his own making. The corruption allegations, the public displays of arrogance, and the endless fights within government exposed a character that seems more interested in survival than service. People remember what they saw and heard, not what politicians try to explain later.
Third, Gachagua’s own words poisoned the well. His “shareholders” theory made millions of Kenyans feel excluded from their own government. That speech alone turned him from a national leader into a regional politician. It’s hard to campaign for someone who divided the country instead of uniting it.
Fourth, too many people have personal stories about his cruelty and intimidation. Businesspeople in Kiambu, Muguka traders in Embu, and even political families in Nyeri have spoken about how he mistreated or ignored them. When the people closest to a politician reject him, what moral ground remains for outsiders to defend him?
Lastly, politics is about perception — and Gachagua’s image is broken. From his own family to former allies, too many voices are speaking against him. You can’t convince Kenyans that a man hated at home will be loved nationally. That’s why campaigning for him today isn’t loyalty — it’s lunacy.
