When the purportedly impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguadeparted the country on July 9 this year, there was a collective sigh of relief within President William Ruto'scamp. The expectation was that the flow of his 'lethal injections of invective political poison' would diminish. However, this proved to be a miscalculation, much like their earlier attempt to politically neutralize him through impeachment efforts.

During a rally in Machakostown on May 30, former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua addressed the public. It has been widely criticized that Mr. Gachagua's recent discussions about Kenya in the United States fundamentally undermined the nation's sovereignty. While Kenyans may express frustrations with President William Ruto, these are typically born from a collective desire for a better country, not an intent to undermine national standing abroad. His behavior, likened to a 'snitch reporting a colleague to a master,' has been deemed juvenile, especially given his brief experience as the second-in-command, which should have instilled in him the understanding that collective national interest supersedes individual ambition or grievance.

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Critics argue that Mr. Gachagua cannot be considered a viable alternative to Dr. Ruto, as he has struggled to emulate the positive traits of figures like Raila Odinga,particularly lacking in national unity credentials. Unlike past political brilliance that led to initiatives such as a dedicated ministry for Northern Kenya's development during the Grand Coalition, Gachagua's tenure is notably remembered for his controversial 'shareholding remarks.' He is also held politically responsible for the Kenyatta family farm raid in 2023, raising questions about his actions as a member of the national security infrastructure to avert such criminal activity.

During his US tour, a young Kenyan confronted him about his overtly ethnic rhetoric, signaling global awareness of his divisive language. This encounter highlighted the public's desire for genuine change, which Gachagua, despite his long political career, appears not yet to have internalized. While a significant gap may be widening between the populace and the Kenya Kwanza administration, this does not justify subjecting Kenya to collective shame on the international stage, as the nation is a sovereign state, not a colony. International help should be sought only for human rights violations, not for a 'saviour' outside its borders.

Leaders from Kakamega County have strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,accusing him of unpatriotic conduct for threatening to disclose sensitive government information to US authorities. Speaking at a funeral in Irechero village, Ikolomani Constituency, Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali asserted that Gachagua had violated his oath of office and damaged Kenya's global image. Shinali emphasized that true leaders must uphold the dignity and secrets of their office, irrespective of whether they are in power or not, and protect the country's image.

Kenya-Zambia based businessmanStanley Livondourged the diaspora community to disregard Gachagua's tribal politics and instead support the government of the day. Livondo described Gachagua's actions of speaking ill of his former government abroad as shameful, stressing the importance of unity among Kenyans regardless of tribe for peace and development. He contended that Gachagua's actions, reminiscent of his past 'shares and traps' rhetoric, demonstrate his unsuitability for future leadership, especially given his failure to address internal issues while in office.

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It was revealed that Gachagua, during his time in the USA, intended to provide evidence of President Ruto’s alleged human rights violations to the US government. He also advocated for a review of Kenya’s major non-NATOally status, urging the US not to penalize the country for Ruto’s perceived missteps, and suggesting sanctions against the President. Furthermore, Gachagua claimed to possess evidence regarding Kenyan government officials meeting with armed leaders involved in regional conflicts, including Sudan.

In a separate development, leaders have welcomed President William Ruto’s decision to compensate victims of anti-government protests, a move praised for bringing closure and justice to suffering families. Both MP Shinali and businessman Livondo commended the President’s responsiveness, hoping it ensures healing for those affected, particularly the Gen Z protestors, and ensures compensation reaches genuine victims.