Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination Denis Itumbi has launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, describing him as a politician who exudes bravado in public but crumbles in private.

Speaking during an interview with a local YouTuber on Friday, September 19, 2025, Itumbi said his personal feelings about Gachagua are that he only projects toughness when holding a microphone.

“My personal feelings about Rigathi Gachagua ni kwamba, he appears like a lion in public akiongea kwenye microphone, but he is a timid cat in private,” he said.

Ugly confrontation

Itumbi recounted instances where he stated that Gachagua pressured him to elevate his status in the Mt. Kenya region via a social media post. He however failed to oblige, resulting in a near-fistfight confrontation.

“Alikuwa ananiambia ati andika hapo kwa Facebook yako Rigathi Gachagua is a Kingpin in Mt. Kenya nikakataa,” Itumbi recalled.

According to him, Gachagua became aggressive when he refused to comply. “Alinishika mashati akitaka kunipiga juu nilikataa kuandika yeye ni kingpin,” he added.

The State House operative further stated that Gachagua’s frequent attacks against him and other political figures, such as Farouk Kibet, stem from insecurity. “Ukiskia Rigathi akinisema na Farouk ujue yeye ni mtu anasuffer from immense self-esteem,” he stated.

Itumbi painted a picture of a leader overly concerned with public perception and online commentary. He alleged that even during serious official meetings, Gachagua was preoccupied with what people were saying on social media. “Rigathi kila wakati akiwa kwa Cabinet meeting ama kwa function alikuwa ameweka gazeti, anaangalia comment kwa Facebook na WhatsApp,” Itumbi said.

According to him, this behaviour reflected low self-confidence rather than genuine attentiveness to public opinion. “Hio low-esteem inamfanya kwamba kila kitu umecoment anafuata sana. Hio sio kuskiza ground,” he added.

By framing Gachagua as a leader who relies heavily on validation and titles, Itumbi suggested that his leadership style lacks firmness when stripped of the public spotlight. The remarks are likely to fuel fresh debate within Mt. Kenya politics, where questions of succession, kingpin status, and community unity have dominated recent discussions.