Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Faces Backlash for Commercial Flight Stunt

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua found himself at the center of a political storm on Tuesday evening after photos emerged of him boarding a Kenya Airways commercial flight, suitcase in hand. Gachagua was traveling to Mombasa for the International Scientific Conference, but the move has been widely criticized as a publicity stunt.

The images quickly circulated online, prompting a flurry of reactions from political leaders who viewed the act as an unnecessary display. Some leaders took to social media to express their disapproval, accusing Gachagua of seeking attention.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah was among the first to voice his criticism. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated,

"Neither President @WilliamsRuto nor the Government of Kenya or Members of Parliament will succumb to blackmail." He further added, "No amount of sympathy seeking photos, vernacular stations campaigns, social media blogging troops will hand over billions to satisfy anyone’s insatiable greed for power and money."

Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi also took a jab at Gachagua, pointing out the irony of seeking advice from former Nyeri MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, a known ally of Gachagua.

"If you find yourself depending on @ngunjiriwambugu as your advisor, then just know you are doomed. It is better to be advised by a class 2 child," Sudi wrote on X.

Joining the chorus of criticism, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa highlighted that President William Ruto has traveled on commercial flights without making a spectacle of it.

"Huyu a first commercial flight paid for by taxpayers and escorted in new high-end Land Cruisers to the airside, is craving for sympathy. Bure kabisa! NO BLACKMAIL," he remarked on X.

This controversy comes amidst speculation of a rift between President Ruto and his deputy. Observers suggest that Gachagua's influence within the ruling party is waning, and his support in his home region of Mt. Kenya is diminishing. His frequent comments on tribal politics have further fueled tensions, leading President Ruto to urge leaders to avoid ethnic divisions.

Leaders nationwide have echoed this sentiment, warning that using ethnicity to stir political unrest could have serious consequences for Kenya's democratic progress. The latest incident with Gachagua has only intensified the scrutiny of his political maneuvers, raising questions about his future role in the administration.

As the political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how Gachagua will navigate these turbulent waters and whether he can restore his standing both within the government and among his constituents.