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Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s political career now hangs on the line following his recent impeachment from office by Senate. Wafula Buke advised the embattled former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to view his current challenges as life lessons. His removal has drawn significant attention nationwide, including from his political allies and former classmate Wafula Buke. Buke penned an emotional open letter to Gachagua following his ouster from office. What did Buke tell Gachagua? In a letter obtained by TUKO.co.ke, Buke noted that Gachagua has outperformed many of their university and classroom peers, having risen to the position of the country’s deputy president.
“There is so much to celebrate classmate. As a generation of politics at the university and outside, you are top of our year politically: a deputy president. Congrats,” the letter read in part. He highlighted how Gachagua has thrived in life, enjoying wealth and government positions, while some of their peers have died, others are serving prison terms, some are in exile, and others didn’t even complete university. “I have been relegated to the village as a direct result of the victories of your team. You have to be proud buddy. You and your colleagues eg Governor Lusaka etc, never addressed a single rally in the university. Miguna Miguna and I did but check where we are.
Miguna is in exile and I am in the village. Be happy bro. If the goal was to capture power, you did it big time. As your contemporaries and rivals we are far down,” he further stated. Buke encouraged the former deputy president to take pride in his accomplishments despite facing prosecution. He urged him to view the experience as a lesson that could make him a better leader if given a second chance. Buke stated that although Gachagua is not in a good position right now, those opposing him deserve worse than what he is currently experiencing. “In a court of law, you would serve a jail term like most of your colleagues in power but Ruto and Kindiki will get death sentences having presided over murder.
It’s this double stands that tilts my heart to your side. Yours are mainly political mistakes and standard “Kenyan” economic crimes most of them legalised while Ruto’s are real grave crimes,” Buke added. What advice did Buke give Gachagua? Gachagua’s former classmate praised the ex-deputy president’s ability to connect with his political base during times of crisis, calling it a universal instinct for self-preservation. “Kenyatta did it, Patrice Lumumba of DRC was arrested on a retreat to his Mt Kenya. No apologies bro. Your bravery to put our justice system on trial as a representative of the bourgeoisie puts the entire class on trial.
The masses now know better why the fight for power in Kenya is always that abrasive and bare knuckled.” Buke informed Gachagua that his colleagues have him cornered, creating a life-or-death situation, and urged him to make the right decision when the time comes. He humorously asked Gachagua if he still has the wallet he gave him years ago at Simmers restaurant after his time in exile. “By the way, do you still have my wallet? It had no money so you asked me to leave it to you since you had cash and I didn’t have any.” He concluded by encouraging Gachagua to embrace the attention that has followed his impeachment, stating that being discussed negatively is better than being completely ignored.
“After your current trials, you have an audience for life.” How Gachagua’s political allies cried on his impeachment day Gachagua’s close political allies showed up at The Karen Hospital to support him during this difficult time in his career. This came after Gachagua was hospitalised on the day the Senate delivered its verdict on his impeachment trial. Former MP Kimani Ngunjiri, who was weeping uncontrollably, was seen being comforted by former Laikipia woman representative Catherine Waruguru. Amidst tears, MP Gathoni Wamuchomba could be heard suggesting that they had supported William Ruto’s rise to the presidency, but now, in Gachagua’s time of need, he has abandoned him.
by Faith Chandianya
