Speaking candidly about Gachagua’s political style, Kaikai suggested that the former DP’s approach to mobilization and messaging is not new — only unusually transparent.
“I think Gachagua is only doing in broad daylight what politicians do at night,” Kaikai remarked.
“Here is a politician who has consistently worn ethnicity as a badge of honour when it comes to executing campaign politics.”
Kaikai’s comments cut to the heart of a long-standing issue in Kenyan politics: the instrumentalization of ethnic identity during campaigns.
While many leaders publicly preach national unity, backroom strategy sessions often revolve around consolidating ethnic voting blocs.
According to Kaikai, Gachagua broke from that tradition of subtlety by openly framing his politics around communal loyalty and regional solidarity.
The journalist went further, describing Gachagua as perhaps the most divisive Deputy President the country has ever had.
During his year in office, Kaikai argued, Gachagua frequently spoke in ways that appeared to define the government’s posture through an ethnic lens — a move that drew both fervent support and sharp criticism.
Yet Kaikai was quick to note the irony. During his time in President William Ruto’s administration, Gachagua was celebrated by his political base as a hero — a steadfast defender of their interests within government.
His combative rhetoric energized supporters who felt historically marginalized, even as it unsettled critics concerned about national cohesion.
Kaikai’s remarks ultimately raise a deeper question: Is Gachagua an outlier in Kenya’s political landscape — or simply more candid than his peers?
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