Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament, Ngunjiri Wambugu, alleged that there exists a well-choreographed plan to make Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua irrelevant in the Kenya Kwanza government.
In a statement dated October 5, Wambugu - an ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta - cited instances where Gachagua was falling for the scheme aimed at portraying him as a joker.
The former lawmaker turned businessman argued that the media focused on the DP's controversial remarks in the past weeks to paint him in a bad light.
"Let’s be honest, the man from my home county is neither the worst-dressed politician around, nor is he a political buffoon. But we have cartoons and memes of him as such.
"He also says a lot of sensible stuff in between his earthy humour and jokes. But somehow, the media tends to only carry those stories that make us laugh at him," he stated.
Wambugu also explained that the recent statements by the Central Bank of Kenyan (CBK) correcting Rigathi Gachagua for sentiments he made during a Citizen Tv interview on October 2, would undermine his office in the long run.
He wondered why government officials were responding to the second in command through the media.
"Gradually we will get to a point where his public image will be of a political joker who’s out of his depth as DP.
"In a couple of months no one will take him or what he says seriously. Ultimately this will completely undermine his office and his role as DP. To what end, especially considering in this government the two leaders are working well together?" he wondered.
Further, the former lawmaker warned Gachagua to be cautious as he expressed that the DP was falling for the scheme.
Gachagua has been in the spotlight in recent weeks for his remarks made at various functions. For example, his sentiments on the return of the shamba system attracted sharp criticism over the conservation of water catchment areas.
However, the DP clarified his sentiments stating that he is often targeted and misquoted by the media.
"While in Baringo, I spoke about Government's intention to start an afforestation program. I urge the media to report objectively. I meant that the government will engage farmers to plant trees as they grow crops and then vacate once the trees have matured," he stated then.
