Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked sharp debate following remarks he allegedly made about Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda during a public engagement in Keumbu, Kisii County, on Monday.
A video clip circulating on social media captures Gachagua urging residents not to re-elect the legislator in the next general election.
In the footage, he is heard repeatedly referring to Jhanda as “Mhindi” and reportedly telling the crowd that they should not support him in the constituency.
The remarks quickly ignited reactions online, with critics accusing the former Deputy President of promoting divisive rhetoric.
Several commentators described the statements as inappropriate and warned against introducing identity-based politics into local campaigns.
The footage was widely shared on X by politician Alinur Mohamed, who called on Kenyans to judge the remarks for themselves. The clip has since garnered tens of thousands of views, fueling heated discussion across political divides.
Supporters of Jhanda pushed back strongly, stressing that the MP was born and raised in Kisii and is deeply rooted within the Gusii community.
They argued that leadership should be evaluated based on service delivery, performance, and integrity rather than ethnic background or ancestry.
The controversy unfolded as Gachagua continues to tour various regions ahead of the 2027 General Election, seeking to consolidate opposition support.
Coincidentally, Jhanda was also holding grassroots engagements in Kisii under the banner of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Political observers note that incidents of identity-based rhetoric often revive sensitive memories of Kenya’s turbulent electoral history.
Analysts caution leaders against statements that could deepen societal divisions as the country gradually enters the electioneering period.
By press time, neither Gachagua nor Jhanda had released an official statement directly addressing the viral clip.
However, the incident has intensified national conversations about inclusion, cohesion, and the tone of political discourse as the 2027 race slowly takes shape.
Tags
Politics