Former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni has distanced himself from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s continued use of the “cousin” narrative in his political messaging, saying he believes in a united Kenya rather than politics based on ethnic affiliations.

Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Monday, July 6, 2026, the Jubilee deputy party leader acknowledged that he and Gachagua differed politically despite being part of the opposition.

“The difference between Gachagua and me is that he believes in Kalonzo as his presidential choice, while I believe in Matiang’i. It’s pure politics; there’s nothing personal,” Kioni said.

He added that while he had no problem with leaders referring to communities as cousins, such messaging should not exclude other Kenyans.

“I believe in Kenya. He believes in cousins. I believe in Kenyans. The issue of cousins is not a bad one, but you need to carry your neighbour, who is not your cousin, along with you. The Kenyan country needs all of us to move together,” he said.

Significance of byelections

Kioni also differed with Gachagua over the significance of by-elections, arguing that they have little impact when the ruling side already enjoys a commanding majority in Parliament.

He said he learned from former President Mwai Kibaki that heavily investing in by-elections amounts to a waste of resources unless Parliament is closely divided.

“To me, by-elections are a waste of resources if you spend more than what the IEBC requires. The people in that region are simply looking for another leader, but it has no impact on the government of the day or the opposition, especially when the numbers in Parliament are so far apart,” Kioni said.

Kenyan by-election

According to the former lawmaker, by-elections only become politically significant when Parliament is hung, where the outcome of a single seat could alter the balance of power.

“When you have a difference of 20 or 30 MPs, and a president who can command Parliament, let’s concentrate on the issues that can help us change the regime going forward rather than putting too much emphasis on by-elections,” he added.

Kioni maintained that the opposition should instead focus its energy and resources on issues that would resonate nationally ahead of the 2027 General Election.