A section of residents from Nyaribari Chache Constituency in Kisii County have strongly criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks he allegedly made on Monday targeting area MP Zaheer Jhanda.
The residents described the comments, reportedly made during a United Opposition rally at Gusii Stadium, as divisive and disrespectful, accusing the former Deputy President of using what they termed as racial undertones against the legislator.
“We were shocked to hear a leader of his stature resort to such language,” said Faith Kemuma, a local trader. “Leadership is about bringing people together. We cannot normalize profiling or attacking someone because of their background.”
Gachagua was quoted during the rally urging voters in Nyaribari Chache to elect a “native” leader — remarks that Jhanda’s supporters interpreted as a veiled attack on the MP’s background.
Kemuma defended Jhanda, noting that despite not being a native of the area, he has spearheaded several development initiatives since taking office.
“Jhanda has supported our schools through bursaries and improved roads in several wards,” she said. “We judge leaders by their performance, not where they come from.”
A youth leader, Kevin Momanyi, said the constituency remains firmly behind its MP.
“We elected him because we believed in his agenda. He has empowered youth groups and small businesses. Those are the issues that matter to us — not whether he is a non-local,” he said.
Teresia Moraa termed the remarks by Gachagua as unfortunate and retrogressive.
“Kenya belongs to all of us. When leaders speak in a manner that appears to exclude others, it undermines national cohesion,” she said.
Peter Onchiri, a wholesale trader in Keumbu, warned that inflammatory political rhetoric could hurt local businesses.
“We rely on peaceful coexistence to conduct our businesses. When leaders use inflammatory language at rallies, it creates fear among customers and investors. That directly affects our livelihoods,” he said.
The Women Traders Association in Nyaribari Chache also issued a statement rejecting any rhetoric they said undermines national unity, noting that the Gusii region thrives on diversity and inter-county trade.
“Our customers come from different communities. We cannot allow politics to divide us along ethnic lines,” said Jane Moraa. “We urge all political actors to focus on development agendas rather than hate speech.”
The residents called on leaders across the political divide to uphold respectful discourse and safeguard the country’s diversity, insisting that Nyaribari Chache remains united despite political differences.
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