Truth or smear? Reactions to Gachagua's 'tell-all' briefing

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday, October 7, defended himself in the glare of cameras against allegations central to his ongoing impeachment motion.

Gachagua denied owning several high-end properties, including the Olive Garden Hotel, Vipingo Beach Resort in Kilifi, and a 40-acre parcel in Nyeri County.

Calling the accusations "baseless," he described them as part of a political smear campaign aimed at damaging his reputation.

His public defense has sparked a wave of reactions across Kenya’s political and social spectrum. Some have rallied behind him, while others criticised his choice to address the allegations so publicly. 

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo commented on X, saying, "Whoever advised DP to do this presser is not his friend."

Mwengi Mutuse, the MP behind the impeachment motion, argued that Gachagua's mention of deceased relatives was an emotional appeal to gain sympathy.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Tuesday morning condemned Gachagua's behavior during the address, calling it "abhorrent" and noting that it violated the decorum expected during ongoing court proceedings.

But public opinion appears more divided.

Netizens believe the DP’s press briefing shed light on deeper issues within the country’s leadership and governance.

X user, @engGeoffreykim highlighted an alleged twist, wrote; "Kieni MP sold a piece of land to DP Rigathi Gachagua, then met MP Mutuse secretly and lied that Gachagua owns a mysterious piece of land. A day before the impeachment, the Kieni MP gets admitted to the hospital..."

Another user, @Jame, supported this claim saying, "Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina sold 40 acres of land to DP Rigathi Gachagua in 2015. Now he has signed an impeachment motion that claims Gachagua grabbed the land."

Kenyans also did not fail to create humour and satire from the briefing, despite the gravity of the accusations. 

Hizo evidence za Mwengi Mutuse ni weak kama chai ya Nyandarua. — S O N G H O R (@JaKompyuta) October 8, 2024

The remarks come as DP Gachagua prepares to defend himself before the National Assembly later today.

Despite the controversy, Gachagua remains confident, stating that he is ready to face the accusations against him.

He said his conscience is clear and believes the attacks against him are driven by resentment toward his forthrightness.