By now, it should be clear: the biggest threat to unity in Mt. Kenya is not from outside — it’s from within. And his name is Rigathi Gachagua.
For years, Gachagua has thrived on dividing Kikuyus against Kikuyus — weaponizing fear, identity, and bitterness to consolidate power. From 2018 to 2022, his political energy was consumed by one mission: tearing down President Uhuru Kenyatta. He used every opportunity to brand Uhuru as a traitor, mocked his leadership, and went as far as demanding that companies like Brookside — employing thousands — be broken up and handed to “Mau Mau remnants.”
It didn’t end with words.
As Deputy President, he stood by — if not outright facilitated — the shameful invasion of Northlands Farm, the theft of livestock, and the withdrawal of state security from Mama Ngina Kenyatta, an elderly former First Lady. For what crime? Being the mother of a president he despised.
During the 2022 campaigns, Gachagua didn’t spare any Kikuyu leader who chose to walk a different path. Martha Karua, once a celebrated daughter of the mountain, was reduced to insults and mockery. Mlima MPs and Azimio-aligned candidates were labelled sellouts. Ironically, the same MPs he now calls “fools” were the ones he campaigned for, pushed down people’s throats as the true voice of the region.
And now, the pattern continues.
Just days ago, he called on Mt. Kenya residents to boycott concerts where Kikuyu musicians who had visited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki were performing — punishing artists for political association. Kindiki himself hasn’t been spared. Gachagua refers to him with dismissive, degrading names — “mtu wa soprano,” “Mr. Yes Sir,” “yule jamaa mwingine,” and “kunda ngutume wa Ruto.”
What message does this send? That any Kikuyu who doesn’t bow to Gachagua’s ethnic posturing is an enemy — a “kagege,” “mojingáá,” “kihii,” “mwendia wa ruririi.” The language is dangerous, the tone is toxic, and the consequences are real.
What stops Mwangi, a Gachagua supporter, from vandalizing Kamau’s shop just because Kamau is labelled an enemy of the tribe for supporting another political leader?
This is not leadership. This is political thuggery disguised as cultural protection.
Mt. Kenya, be warned: your enemy is not in Azimio. He is not in Raila. He is not even in Nairobi. Your real enemy hails from Wamunyoro — and he wears the mask of a saviour while dividing you to conquer.
It’s time to reclaim our politics from hate and return it to dignity, unity, and purpose.
