Fred Okango: Gachagua’s mockery of Asian Kisii MP Jhanda violates constitutional values
By Faith Lagat, February 24, 2026Fred Okango has strongly condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for targeting Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda during the United Opposition rally in Gusii on February 23, 2026.
Okango condemned Gachagua for targeting Jhanda over his Asian heritage, describing the remarks as ethnic profiling. He said such behaviour has no place in Kenya and undermines constitutional values and national unity.
“Ethnic profiling has no place in Kenya. Here @rigathi is mocking and and profiling Hon. Zaheer Jhanda, @JhandaMp the duly elected MP for Nyaribari Chache Constituency in Kisii County, on account of his Asian heritage,” Okang’o stated.
Constitutional concerns and political implications
Okango referenced Article 27 of Kenya’s Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or origin.
He argued that Kenya’s democracy rejects ethnic gatekeepers policing belonging by surname, skin colour, or ancestry. Linking the remarks to Gachagua’s 2024 impeachment, Okango noted that divisive politics inconsistent with constitutional values had previously been cited as grounds for censure.
“Leadership is a constitutional trust, not a platform for profiling fellow citizens,” he said, adding that “Kenya belongs to all her people regardless of surname, skin colour, or ancestry.”
He warned that such statements damage opposition credibility, estimating that “every time Rigathi opens his mouth, the opposition are losing 20,000 potential votes.”
Regional rallies and reactions
The incident occurred at a roadside rally in Keroka town, part of a three-day United Opposition tour in Kisii and Nyamira counties.
Video clips circulating on X show Gachagua mocking voters for electing Jhanda, derisively calling him “Muhindi” and questioning his legitimacy due to Asian descent.
He urged residents to unite behind Fred Matiang’i and reject leaders who insult him, framing the comments around ethnic solidarity. Jhanda, however, was born and raised in Kisii and attended Kisii Primary School, with supporters highlighting his deep community ties and local service.
The same day, Matiang’i was coronated as Kisii elder and community spokesman at Ekerenyo Grounds in Nyamira. Elders bestowed symbolic items, including ceremonial attire, headgear, a stick, and a whisk, and a religious blessing followed before releasing him to United Opposition leaders for nationwide campaigning.
