In a bold and unapologetic statement posted on her socials, Antonellah Kakuko, UDA’s Head of Digital Communications, has delivered a searing indictment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his brand of divisive politics. Her words resonate with the heartbeat of a nation yearning for unity, progress, and an end to the politics of anarchy and entitlement.
Kakuko’s assertion that “hii ni inchi ya demokrasia wananchi ndio wanaamua kwa debe” (this is a democratic country, the people decide at the ballot) is a clarion call for Kenyans to reject chaos and embrace the leadership of President William Ruto. The statement by the hard-hitting digital communication specialist paints a glorious picture of President Ruto’s rise to power, terming it as a testament to his ability to shatter long-standing myths that have shackled Kenya’s political landscape.
For decades, the deputy president’s position was seen as a cursed stepping stone, a jinx that doomed its occupants from ascending to the presidency. Ruto obliterated this notion, proving that ambition, grit, and public support can rewrite history. He didn’t come from a political dynasty or a “big family,” yet he rose to the highest office, dismantling the elitist belief that only a select few could lead. His victory was a middle finger to tribalism, showing Kenyans could vote beyond ethnic lines and elect a leader based on vision, not division.
Kakuko’s statement zeroes in on what she terms as Gachagua’s hypocrisy and his perceived desperate attempts to sow discord. Since his impeachment in October 2024, Gachagua has waged a relentless campaign against Ruto, leveraging ethnic rhetoric to rally the Mt. Kenya region against the president. He’s painted himself as a victim, claiming Ruto betrayed the region that delivered 3.5 million votes in 2022.
Yet, as Kakuko points out, “Gachagua’s perceived politics of entitlement and anarchy are an affront to Kenya’s democratic ideals. His recent tours, flanked by opposition figures like Kalonzo Musyoka and Cleophas Malala, reek of opportunism, not leadership. Gachagua’s claims of persecution, including alleging state-sponsored attacks on his convoy, are nothing but theatrical ploys to incite unrest.”
By referring to opposition figures like Fred Matiang’i and others “running to America”, Kakuko has underscored the perceived cowardice of those who thrive on chaos but flee when confronted. “Kenya cannot afford to let these ‘bloodthirsty fools’ destabilise the nation.” She says.
According to Kakuko, the protests rocking Kenya, fueled by grievances over taxes, corruption, and governance, have been hijacked by opportunists like Gachagua, who is accused of allegedly fanning the flames of discontent while offering no solutions. “Ruto, by contrast, has faced these challenges head-on, withdrawing controversial tax bills and engaging with the public, even as he navigates a delicate balance between reform and stability.” Stated Kakuko.
Kakuko further adds that Ruto’s presidency is a beacon of hope, proving that democracy thrives when the people’s will prevails over tribalism and anarchy. She says that it’s time for Kenyans to rally behind Ruto’s vision for a united, prosperous nation and that the ballot box, not chaos, will decide Kenya’s future.
