Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua elated Kisumu residents after he acknowledged his new nickname 'Riggy G' that has gone viral since his inauguration.
While speaking during Music Festival finals on Friday, September 23 in Kisumu, the DP stated that he was aware that a section of creative Kenyans coined the nickname from his name - Rigathi Gachagua.
He also expressed his admiration for the love he had received noting that the name had become popular.
“I am even amazed that our creative young people have given me a nickname. they have looked at my name Rigathi Gachagua and looked for something more melodious and called me Riggy G,” the DP remarked.
“I do not think it is a bad name. That is why we are saying that we should develop the talents of our people,” he added.
Immediately after the DP made the statements the crowd burst into laughter as he further encouraged Kenyans to embrace creativity.
The popular nickname was coined by lifestyle content creator, Ivy Chelimo, months before it blew up the internet.
Chelimo tweeted the name first during the deputy presidential debate on July 19 held at the Catholic University.
The nickname was among the trending topic on Twitter during the inauguration ceremony held at the Kasarani stadium on Tuesday, September 13.
"You know how you can't actually mention a politician just because sometimes you don't want that traction on your page? That was me then but I was like let me just mention him because he was winning the debate anyway," she told NTV on Friday, September 16.
Despite many Kenyans appreciating her creativity, others were sceptical and criticized her overnight fame.
"Majority of the posts have been congratulatory but I have been called the githeri man of this election.
"Today someone was like, I don't understand why you can be on TV for something this small," she said.
