Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has described himself as the most peaceful political leader in Kenya.
Speaking on Sunday, May 18, Gachagua reiterated his commitment to peace and stability, even during moments of personal political hardship.
He further compared his handling of the situation to how Azimio leader Raila Odinga or President William Ruto might have responded.
"Rigathi Gachagua is the most peaceful leader in this country. When I was impeached, my supporters wanted to come out into the streets and cause chaos. I told them not to, and to maintain peace.
"Can you imagine what would have happened if it had been Raila Odinga or William Ruto?” he posed.
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Gachagua's declaration comes in the wake of his remarks that chaos will erupt should the 2027 general elections be rigged.
Speaking during an interview with Obinna Live TV on Friday, May 16, he warned that attempts to rig the 2027 election results and subvert the will of the people could lead to unprecedented election violence worse than in 2007/2008.
“The mood in the country if IEBC tries to mess with the election, there will be no country here. 2007 will look like a Christmas party. I can tell you. I want to implore those commissioners to be patriotic and not to attempt to impose William Ruto on Kenyans, it will not work," he said.
Gachagua's remarks irked several leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki who said the country learnt hard lessons in the 2007/2008 post-election violence and will never return to a similar situation.
He said politicians should focus on offering transformative ideas, rather than spreading fear, promoting divisive rhetoric, or acting out of personal vendettas.
“Kenya will never return to political violence, not in 2027, not at any other time in the future. Our country learnt hard and painful lessons from the 2007/2008 post-election violence. Never again.
“Henceforth, Kenya’s leadership contests will revolve around who has better ideas to transform the country. The debate cannot be about the fear-mongering of desperate, vengeful, thoughtless, and pretentious leaders,” he stated.
On the other hand, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said Gachagua’s remarks are enough to bar him from holding any public office.
"Those remarks alone are enough to bar that person from holding any public office. Forget about impeachment, because many people lost their loved ones in the 2007/2008 and some have never recovered, and somebody is promising that violence will escalate in the next elections,” he noted.
