Wetang’ula Slams Gachagua for ‘Exporting Tribalism’ to U.S. as Tensions Rise over Saba Saba Protests

In a fiery rebuke that’s sending shockwaves across Kenya’s political landscape, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what he termed as “exporting tribal politics” during his ongoing tour of the United States. 

While addressing a women’s empowerment programme at Busende Primary School on Friday, Wetang’ula took aim at Gachagua’s controversial meetings in the diaspora.  

The former second-in-command, who has been touring various U.S. states since July 9, his first foreign trip since his ouster from office in October 2024, has reportedly held exclusive gatherings with members of his ethnic community, a move Wetang’ula decried as dangerously divisive. 

“I faulted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for exporting tribal politics by addressing only members of his ethnic community while on tour in the US. Such actions risk dividing Kenyans in the diaspora,” Wetang’ula stated firmly. 

Wetang’ula emphasized that Kenya’s diaspora is diverse and deserves inclusive leadership, especially at a time when President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga are making joint efforts to foster national unity. 

“At a time when President Ruto and Raila Odinga are working to unify the nation, this kind of ethnic rhetoric undermines national cohesion. Leaders must engage all communities, not just their own,” he added. 

Gachagua’s tour, marked by open criticism of the Ruto administration and promotion of the so-called “wantam” agenda, has drawn fire even from Kenya Kwanza allies, who view his approach as politically reckless and ethnically polarizing. 

But the Speaker’s outrage didn’t stop there. 

Turning his attention to the domestic front, Wetang’ula called for a crackdown on the political leaders behind the recent Saba Saba protests. The nationwide demonstrations, led largely by the youth demanding economic reforms, erupted into tense scenes and led to numerous arrests. 

“While many protesters have been arrested, the real culprits are those who incited them. I challenge the security agencies to pursue and apprehend the leaders who sponsored this unrest,” he urged. 

The double-barreled criticism, targeting both diaspora tribalism and local political agitation, comes as Kenya continues to grapple with political realignments, economic frustration, and an increasingly vocal youth population. 

As Gachagua continues his U.S. engagements and the government confronts rising discontent at home, Wetang’ula’s statements may signal a deeper rift within Kenya’s ruling elite, and a broader battle over the soul and direction of the nation’s politicsboth at home and abroad.