Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has condemned remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, calling them reckless and dangerous to the peace and unity of the country.
Speaking in Nyakach on Sunday, Wandayi said Gachagua is acting irresponsibly and appears to believe he is above the law.
“It’s unfortunate. We don’t want this country to slip into a state of anarchy. The former DP owes it to the people of this country to be responsible in his utterances, especially in public,” Wandayi stated.
He said the remarks might sow division at a time when Kenya needs national cohesion.
Wandayi warned that Kenya would not allow itself to be dragged into chaos and assured the public that the country will remain peaceful and united regardless of political differences.
“What is critical is that this country shall remain united. It is not going to get into any state of chaos,” the CS said.
He expressed confidence in President William Ruto’s leadership, saying Kenyans would ultimately reject divisive politics.
“If you give me a choice between the Wamunyoro group and President William Ruto, I will choose Ruto any day, any time,” Wandayi affirmed.
He praised Kenyans for seeing through what he termed as “tribalistic” and misleading narratives pushed by the opposition.
“I am happy Kenyans are seeing the lies and the tribalistic feelings that characterise this Wamunyoro group. Kenyans are wiser,” he said.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, who was also present, condemned Gachagua’s apparent reference to the 2007 post-election violence, saying such statements were deeply insensitive and dangerous.
“To have someone remind us about 2007, when we had quite a number of our people killed, is quite detestable. We call for peace and stand with unity,” Owili stated.
Gachagua, however, said his statement on the 2027 general elections was twisted, stating that he did not assert that there will be post-election violence.
Speaking on Sunday at Christ’s Joy Christian Church in Ndunyu Chege in Murang’a County, he clarified that he was only raising concerns by Kenyans that President William Ruto should not try any election malpractices.
He urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to remain ethical, adding that history has shown that where there is a contested election there can be violence.
“I never said there would be chaos in Kenya. What I said is that, according to the concerns being raised by Kenyans, there must be no attempts to rig the elections—so that we avoid a repeat of the tragic events of 2007/2008,” he said.
He said it is important to refer to history, urging IEBC to ensure a fair and just election, adding that in the case of a 2027 post-election violence, then it will be far worse than the past occurrence.
