Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi launched a blistering attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying his ambitions to lead Kenya are futile and rooted in divisive politics. Speaking during a burial ceremony on Friday in Uasin Gishu County, MP Sudi dismissed Gachagua’s push for national leadership, accusing him of using ethnic narratives to stir discord after failing in his former office.
“Let me tell Gachagua clearly President Ruto is not going anywhere, and you will never lead this country unless you plan to sneak in through the backdoor,” MP Sudi said. He further reiterated, “You were given an opportunity and failed. Now all you do is move around spreading tribalism.”
MP Sudi’s remarks follow growing tensions in the political space, where former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has recently ramped up criticism of the current administration while rallying support from the Gikuyu community.
During his recent tour of the United States, former deputy president and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua said he was being unfairly targeted for speaking directly to his ethnic base. “They are accusing me of exporting tribalism because I’m talking to my people. Let them also talk to theirs,” Rigathi Gachagua said during an address in Baltimore on July 26.
In response MP Sudi warned against returning to a past marked by ethnic violence. Sudi recalled the post-election chaos that rocked Eldoret in 2007–2008, saying such divisions must not resurface. “If you’re a Kikuyu and live in Eldoret, that is your home,” MP Sudi said. “We suffered too much during the violence. We can’t go back there. This talk of ‘our people’ must stop.”
MP Sudi called on religious leaders and fellow politicians to advocate for unity and peaceful coexistence, saying it was their responsibility to uphold national harmony. “You cannot keep referring to ‘our people’ everywhere you go,” Sudi said. “What about those born and raised here? Where do you want them to go?”
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), continues to defend his statements. On July 20, during an event with the diaspora community, he claimed the government had failed and that it was time to speak honestly about leadership shortcomings.
“Kenya is a beautiful country with poor leadership,” DCP party leader Gachagua said. “We must be honest with ourselves. I will not lie to you that things are going well.”
His remarks have drawn criticism from across the political divide, with allies of President William Ruto accusing him of fueling ethnic tensions and undermining national cohesion ahead of the 2027 general election.
The clash between the two Rift Valley politicians signals deepening cracks in the former Kenya Kwanza alliance, as power struggles and regional loyalties shape early campaign narratives.
About the Author
