Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked widespread debate after issuing a statement distancing himself from viral online publications and interpretations of his recent remarks.
The outspoken Mount Kenya political heavyweight said some of the claims circulating on social media were misleading and falsely attributed to him, leaving many Kenyans surprised by what appeared to be a sharp U-turn.
Gachagua, who has remained vocal on economic and regional issues since leaving office, was recently captured in a video speaking at a public event where he raised concerns about alleged economic sabotage affecting rice farmers from the Mwea region.
In his speech, he claimed that a mall in Eastlands was allegedly being used by certain individuals to import duty-free rice, repackage it locally, and sell it to Kenyans as locally produced rice.
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According to Gachagua, such practices deny genuine farmers from Mwea a fair market and hurt livelihoods across the wider Mount Kenya region.
However, in a follow-up address, Gachagua accused some leaders of twisting his words for political gain. He clarified that he never mentioned the name of the mall or directly targeted any specific community, contrary to claims made during press conferences by some politicians.
He expressed concern that his remarks were being weaponized to incite ethnic emotions and distract from the real issue of corruption and economic exploitation.
“I did not attack any community,” Gachagua insisted, adding that individuals benefiting from corrupt systems often hide behind their communities when called out.
He urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and avoid being manipulated by leaders who, according to him, exploit ethnic solidarity to shield personal interests.
The remarks have triggered mixed reactions online, with supporters praising Gachagua for standing up for local farmers, while critics accuse him of backtracking under pressure.
As the video continues to circulate, the incident highlights the sensitive intersection of politics, ethnicity, and economic justice in Kenya’s charged political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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