Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s latest call for Mt Kenya residents to heckle and avoid Members of Parliament who do not stand with him is deeply troubling. Such a move risks painting him as a leader intolerant of dissent, one who believes loyalty should be forced rather than earned. In politics, strong leaders persuade with vision and ideas, not intimidation.
Encouraging the public to target MPs sets a dangerous precedent that could widen divisions between elected leaders and the people they represent. MPs are chosen by citizens through the ballot, and their legitimacy comes from the voters, not from the endorsement of one political figure. When leaders push communities to isolate their own representatives, they erode the very trust that binds citizens and government together.
This strategy also undermines democracy. Freedom of expression and political choice are constitutional rights that protect both leaders and the public. By urging residents to shun MPs who differ from him, Gachagua disregards the principle that democracy thrives on diversity of opinion. True leadership allows room for disagreements while keeping dialogue alive.
If Gachagua seeks to strengthen his political base, he should focus on uniting rather than dividing. Building alliances, addressing citizens’ concerns, and respecting alternative voices will achieve far more than inciting hostility. His call is not only misguided but also harmful to the values of democracy and unity in Mt Kenya.
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