Former Bahati MP and farmer Kimani Ngunjiri has weighed in on the return of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from his six-week stay in the United States, saying the country was noticeably calmer during his absence.

Gachagua jetted back into the country on Thursday, August 21, 2025, after cutting short what was planned as a two-month trip, to focus on upcoming by-elections. His homecoming drew mixed reactions, with allies presenting it as a show of strength while critics described it as politically overhyped.

Ngunjiri, speaking on Friday, August 22, 2025, during a political talk show aired by a local radio station, struck a sharp tone in his assessment of the political drama surrounding the return. He said Kenyans had enjoyed a period of relative calm while Gachagua was abroad.

“People are tired of these things. When he was not there, the country was very cool; there was no problem. People should learn that as they start politics early, it is good and bad on the other hand, because people will be tired and will be able to learn and understand them,” Ngunjiri said.

The former legislator dismissed the suggestion that Gachagua’s return would trigger instability, instead pointing fingers at those who had exaggerated the situation.

“There was no problem with Gachagua’s return. When you let everyone free to do their things, then everything will be calm. Malala overhyped and made people think it would be bad. Let everyone do what he wants to do in a good way and protect the property of the people,” he added.

His remarks highlight the ongoing divisions in political circles over Gachagua’s role in the country’s unfolding landscape. While his supporters continue to cast him as a defender of marginalised regions and a strong voice in succession politics, critics argue his confrontational style fuels unnecessary tension.

Ngunjiri’s comments reflect growing fatigue among some leaders and citizens over early succession battles and relentless political noise. By framing Gachagua’s absence as a cooling period, the former MP drew attention to a broader question: whether Kenyans want stability over constant political theatrics.

As the country heads into a season of crucial by-elections, Gachagua’s re-entry into the political arena is expected to reignite debate on his influence and strategy. But Ngunjiri’s cautionary words suggest that not all leaders see the return as a game-changer.

For now, Gachagua faces both renewed attention and scrutiny, while the public weighs whether his presence will stabilise or stir the national mood ahead of the contests.