Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has sharply criticized former deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks that appeared to suggest Kenya could descend into violence during the 2027 elections if the process is not fair.
In a statement, Wambugu condemned Gachagua’s controversial suggestion that the 2027 elections could make 2007 “look like a Christmas party” a comparison the former MP called “reckless,” “irresponsible,” and “deeply offensive to victims of Kenya’s darkest political chapter.”
“Once you start trying to explain a political statement, you’ve already admitted it was a mistake,” said Wambugu. “There is no universe, where comparing 2007 to a Christmas party is justifiable.”
Wambugu, who has in the past been aligned with Gachagua, indicated a clear political and moral break with the Deputy President, citing the need for leaders to be held accountable regardless of political alliances.
Wambugu Referring a Dark Past
“We cannot cause permanent damage for our egos,” he added. “We, as politicians, are transitionary. Kenya is not.”
He drew deeply from the trauma of the 2007-08 post-election violence, during which over 1,300 Kenyans were killed and more than 600,000 displaced.
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Wambugu said that the seeds of that tragedy were sown not in the days following the vote, but in the years and months leading up to it with inflammatory speech, ethnic incitement, and the normalization of division.
He further warned that Gachagua’s remarks and the subsequent justifications from his allies are laying the same dangerous groundwork.
“2007 didn’t just happen. It was built. People spoke in 2005, 2006, and no one challenged them,” Wambugu said.
“By the time the results were read, people were already dead.”
2022 Election Results
Wambugu also reflected on his own loss in the 2022 general elections. Despite glaring irregularities, he chose the legal route instead of inciting unrest, reinforcing his central message that no political ambition justifies risking the nation’s stability.
“We are not more important than ordinary Kenyans,” he said. “When we don’t get the job, fairly or unfairly, we can’t burn the country.”
Also Read: Kindiki Responds to Gachagua’s Post-election Chaos Remarks
He challenged both leaders and citizens to resist being manipulated by incendiary political rhetoric.
“Do not allow us, as politicians, to take you down that path,” he said. “Go vote. Then go home. Let the politicians follow due process.”
Wambugu concluded with a direct call to Gachagua calling him to withdraw the statement and apologize.
“Stop explaining. It was a mistake. Own it ad let’s not hear that kind of talk again — not from you, not from anyone.”
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