Leaders Caution Gachagua Over Tribal Rhetoric and 2027 Violence Claims.
Several national leaders have issued strong warnings to impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following his recent inflammatory remarks suggesting that Kenya could experience violence worse than the 2007/2008 post-election crisis. Gachagua, who recently formed the Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) party, likened the tragic 2007 events to a “Christmas party celebration,” a statement that has drawn sharp criticism for being insensitive and irresponsible.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki led the condemnation, asserting that Kenya would never return to the dark days of political violence. In a statement posted to his official X account on May 17, 2025, Kindiki reassured Kenyans of the government’s commitment to safeguarding peace and stability ahead of the 2027 General Election. He categorically declared, “Kenya will never return to political violence. Not in 2027, not at any other time in future.”
Kindiki expressed deep concern over the divisive language being used by some political figures, warning against tactics aimed at instilling fear among citizens. He stated that such fear-mongering is unacceptable and vowed that the kind of tragedy witnessed in 2007/2008 will not be repeated under his watch. “Our country learnt hard and painful lessons from the 2007/2008 post-election violence. Never again,” he affirmed.
Referring indirectly to Gachagua’s rhetoric, Kindiki emphasized that leadership contests in Kenya must now be based on ideas and development-oriented agendas. He noted that Kenyans are no longer interested in pretentious leaders who peddle fear and hatred to gain political mileage. “Henceforth, Kenya’s leadership contests will revolve around who has better ideas to transform the country. The debate cannot be about the fear-mongering of desperate, vengeful, thoughtless and pretentious leaders,” he stated.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also criticized Gachagua and his newly launched DCP party, accusing it of being a tribal platform with no clear agenda for the Kenyan people. Speaking during a cultural festival in Garissa on May 17, 2025, Duale said the party’s goal is to balkanize the nation and promote ethnic division for political gain.
Duale warned that such tribal rhetoric posed a serious threat to national security and cohesion. He maintained that President William Ruto’s administration has been focused on uniting Kenyans and distributing development equitably across the country, regardless of ethnic backgrounds. He insisted that Gachagua’s attacks were baseless and politically motivated.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi condemned Gachagua’s rhetoric as “reckless and dangerous to the peace and unity of the country”. He warned that Kenya would not allow itself to be dragged into chaos and urged citizens to reject any attempts to sow division. “This country shall remain united,” Wandayi said, assuring the public that Kenya “is not going to get into any state of chaos” despite political differences. Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, who was present, said evoking the 2007 violence was “deeply insensitive” and urged leaders to focus on peace and reconciliation instead.
Critics have described Gachagua’s comments as an attempt to instill political fear and uncertainty among voters ahead of the 2027 polls. His reference to the 2007 violence, which claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands, has been condemned as callous and an affront to the memory of victims and survivors.
Observers have also raised concerns about the direction of Gachagua’s new party, arguing that it lacks a clear vision for the country. Instead, they say, the party has become a platform for spreading animosity and tribal propaganda, which could undermine peace and unity in the lead-up to the next elections.
In their collective response, leaders have called on Kenyans to reject divisive politics and instead support leaders who promote unity, development, and democratic progress. They urged citizens to be vigilant against those who exploit ethnic identities for selfish political agendas.
As the 2027 General Election approaches, the message from government leaders remains consistent and firm: Kenya will not be held hostage by threats of violence or tribal incitement. The country’s future, they insist, lies in issue-based politics, inclusive governance, and unwavering national unity.
