Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come out to clarify explosive comments he made suggesting that the 2027 elections could descend into chaos.
Gachagua attended a church service in Gatanga, Murang'a County, where he accused his political adversaries allied to the Kenya Kwanza government of spinning the narrative against him.
The former DP denied inciting Kenyans into unrest, instead insisting that he was only voicing what he heard on the ground.
“They are trying to change the context of what I said. I never said there would be unrest ,” Gachagua stated in his clarification. “All I said is I listened to Kenyans, and they are saying the President and IEBC should not rig elections.”
Gachagua's clarification followed controversial remarks he made during a TV interview on Friday, May 16, when he appeared to claim any discrepancies in the upcoming polls would plunge the country into chaos. The former DP went a step further by describing the 2007 post-poll chaos as a 'Christmas Party'.
“With the mood in the country, if the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there will be no country here. I want to tell you, 2007 will look like a Christmas party," Gachagua said on Friday.
His remarks have since sparked controversy, with the likes of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen openly condemning Gachagua.
Murkomen was particularly critical of the former DP, whom he warned of possible legal actions should such statements go on.
"Some people think they are above the law. I am going to tell you, under our watch, this country will not condone anybody who wants to burn it. We will do everything under the sun to ensure that in the period we are serving, we keep the country safe," Murkomen said on Sunday.
However, amid the criticism, Gachagua maintained that his comments on Friday were simply him performing his civic duties as a leader.
Gachagua went on, “It is my civic duty as a leader to caution the country,” he said. “To the IEBC, be patriotic to avoid putting this country into turmoil. Because history has shown that when there is a contested election, there can be chaos, and it has happened. We must refer to history.”
After launching his new political party, it remains unclear which direction the new-look opposition will take, as they have yet to name the candidate who will take on Ruto in 2027.
Gachagua, who lost his DP seat through impeachment in October 2024, is still eligible to contest a political seat until a court confirms that his impeachment was legitimate.
