Kenyan politics is once again under scrutiny, with growing concern over the politics of deception and shifting loyalty championed by Rigathi Gachagua. Once at the center of an impeachment storm, Gachagua has rebranded himself as a defender of political morality—quick to label others as “sellouts” or “gakunia.” Yet his own actions tell a different story.
At the height of his impeachment, a moment defined by serious accusations including tribalism and abuse of office, Gachagua leaned heavily on allies who stood by him publicly and emotionally. Figures like Gathoni Wamuchomba and Kimani Ngunjiri were visibly shaken, going as far as openly protesting and defending him in Parliament and beyond. Their loyalty was unquestionable.
But in today’s political climate shaped by Gachagua himself, that same loyalty appears disposable. Those who once stood firm are now casually dismissed and labeled “gakunia,” exposing a troubling pattern where allegiance is only valued when it serves immediate political interests.
Even more revealing is Gachagua’s willingness to embrace former rivals when it suits his agenda. Irungu Kang’ata, who was widely seen as working behind the scenes during the impeachment period to advance his own ambitions, is now finding favor again. The apparent contradiction raises a critical question: what truly defines a “sellout” in Gachagua’s politics?
The answer, many observers argue, lies not in principle but in convenience. In this version of politics, accusations are not based on consistent values but are tools used to reward loyalty, punish dissent, and control narratives. Today’s enemy can easily become tomorrow’s ally—provided the terms are right.
This is the deeper danger of Gachagua’s politics of deceit. It normalizes a system where integrity is secondary, and where political language is weaponized to mislead the public. For many Kenyans, the term “gakunia” is losing meaning—because under such leadership, it seems anyone can wear the label, or shed it, depending on who is calling the shots.
