Didmus dismisses claims of Gachagua’s rising popularity post-impeachment
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 4, 2025Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa has dismissed claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua continues to enjoy rising popularity following his impeachment.
According to Barasa, Gachagua has been completely forgotten by Kenyans and is only remembered for the controversies that surrounded his time in office.
Speaking during an interview on a popular podcast on Monday, August 4, 2025, Barasa stated that Gachagua no longer holds any political relevance in the country.
He argued that Kenyans have moved on and that the only instances in which the former deputy president is mentioned are tied to negative moments in his political career.
Barasa maintained that Gachagua’s legacy is marred by divisive rhetoric and public remarks that put the country on a politically unstable path. He noted that any public recollection of Gachagua is often associated with criticism he made against the government or his declarations regarding the 2027 general election.
He further questioned the narrative that Gachagua has become more influential after his removal from office, saying there is no evidence to support such claims. In his view, the former deputy president has faded into political obscurity and is no longer part of the national conversation in any meaningful way.
“We as a country have completely forgotten Rigathi Gachagua, but we only remember him for the wrong things; we remember him for the bad things he has said about the government; we remember him for putting our country on a wrong political trajectory. If you wake up today and you are told to say something about Rigathi Gachagua, the only thing I remember is his comments on the 2027 elections. These are the things that Kenyans remember him for,” Didmus said.
Not fit for any public office
The MP went further to cast doubt on Gachagua’s competence, arguing that the former deputy president should not be considered for any public office.
In a sharp criticism, Barasa remarked that Gachagua is not even fit to serve in minor local roles, insisting that from his perspective, Gachagua lacks the leadership qualities required even for basic community responsibilities.
“This Rigathi Gachagua need not occupy any public position; from where I sit, Rigathi Gachagua is not qualified to chair a sub-funeral committee in charge of splitting fireworks,” he added.