I Am Rigathi Gachagua Reriani. I Am From Nyeri.” — Deputy President Fires Up Kikuyu Identity Amid Saba Saba Tensions



“I Am Rigathi Gachagua Reriani. I Am From Nyeri.” — Deputy President Fires Up Kikuyu Identity Amid Saba Saba Tensions

By [David Ndiritu ] | July 8, 2025


In the heat of the national discourse surrounding Saba Saba protests, Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken to Facebook with a short, pointed message:

"I am Rigathi Gachagua Reriani. I am from Nyeri. #WeAreAllKikuyus"

The statement, though brief, has triggered widespread debate across the political and ethnic landscape of Kenya.

A Message of Unity — or Ethnic Mobilization?

Gachagua’s words come at a time when tensions in the Mt. Kenya region are high, especially following the anti-government protests held on Saba Saba Day. While some interpret his post as a call for unity among Kikuyus, others see it as a thinly veiled attempt to invoke ethnic solidarity amid rising political pressure and dissatisfaction within his home region.

His use of the hashtag #WeAreAllKikuyus has raised eyebrows. To supporters, it is a reminder of shared identity, resilience, and political strength. But to critics, it appears dangerously close to ethnic polarization, especially in a nation still healing from past divisions.

A Man Under Pressure

Since the Saba Saba demonstrations, Gachagua has found himself walking a tightrope. On one hand, he must remain loyal to President Ruto’s administration, which is battling public outrage over the Finance Bill and cost of living. On the other hand, he faces mounting rebellion from Mt. Kenya youth and leaders, many of whom feel neglected or betrayed.

The Facebook post seems to be Gachagua’s way of reasserting his roots and sending a message: "I may be Deputy President, but I have not forgotten where I come from."

Political Chess in the Highlands

Behind the post may lie a bigger agenda. The statement may be part of a rebranding campaign — positioning himself not just as the DP, but as the true political voice of the Kikuyu nation. With murmurs of succession battles and political realignments ahead of 2027, Gachagua may be drawing the ethnic line early.

And it's not new. Gachagua has often embraced what he calls "mtu wa ground" (a man of the people) politics. The latest Facebook post is yet another reminder that he sees identity and loyalty to one's community as central to leadership.

What’s the End Game?

It’s too early to say what the full impact of this message will be. But one thing is clear: Gachagua is talking directly to the mountain, and doing so in a language the region understands — pride, belonging, and shared history.

Whether it will calm the anger sparked by recent protests or ignite a new political firestorm remains to be seen.

#RigathiGachagua #MtKenyaPolitics #WeAreAllKikuyus #SabaSaba2025 #NyeriVoices #KenyaPolitics

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