Valentine Wanjiru, the founder of the 6.25 Movement in the United States, has explained why she confronted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during his tour.
In a media interview on August 8, 2025, Valentine stated that the Constitution already provides everything necessary for Kenya’s systems to function effectively and added that the electorate holds the power to decide and speak up.
“We should all be proud of where we come from, but the meeting was positioned as a diaspora engagement event, so I assumed it was open to everyone. However, upon walking in, Kikuyu songs were being played, and a few Kikuyu words were being thrown around. In the spirit of inclusivity, I let them know they should speak in the national language,” she said.
Additionally, she asserted that tribal politics, which have been used by the political elite since independence, continue to divide rather than unite the country.
Valentine Wanjiru Speaks on Tribal Politics
While acknowledging the importance of cultural identity and expression, she cautioned that when tribal affiliations are weaponized for political gain, they entrench stereotypes, fuel division, and hinder national progress.
She added that Kenya cannot effectively combat corruption or rebuild a functional economy until it moves away from ethnic-based voting and embraces leadership chosen based on merit, integrity, and sound policies.
“And I keep saying this, until we move away from political tribalism, tribal politics, I mean, we cannot fight corruption. Until we stop voting for people based on ethnicity and start choosing leaders based on merit, policies, integrity, and their track record, then we will move forward,” she said.
Also Read: Profile of Valentine Wanjiru Githae, the US-Based Kenyan Who Called Out Gachagua for Tribal Politics
She further noted that young people are increasingly demanding to be heard, yet their voices continue to be ignored.
Additionally, she called for meaningful engagement, suggesting that leaders should bring the youth together, listen to their concerns, and understand what they want, warning that the country cannot afford to descend into anarchy.
At the same time, she said that despite being well-educated, tech-savvy, and creative, Kenya’s Gen Z and millennial populations lack platforms to showcase their potential.
She highlighted the government’s attempt to tax digital platforms like TikTok and YouTube, tools many youths rely on for income, as a prime example of misplaced priorities.
Also Read: Gachagua Explains Why He is Flying to the US Amid Allegations of Stopping Him
Why She Started the 6.25 Movement
Valentine further outlined the mission of the 6.25 Movement, named after the June 25, 2024, protests in which several young Kenyans lost their lives.
The movement stands as both a memorial and a platform for justice, accountability, and systemic reform. It focuses on civic education, youth empowerment, and Pan-African advocacy.
According to Valentine, their recent program in Washington, D.C., titled The Politics of Kenya, explored the country’s colonial history and how historical miseducation continues to influence present-day challenges.
“On June 25th, so many young Kenyans died. Our movement stands as a memorial, a call for justice, a demand for action, and a push for accountability and systemic change. We primarily focus on advocacy and civic education,” she narrated.
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