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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has found himself at the center of a social media storm after posting a message of encouragement to the Harambee Stars following their exit from the 2025 Pamoja CHAN tournament.

What began as a seemingly supportive post turned controversial, as Kenyans online swiftly turned the comments section into a battleground — blaming Gachagua for the team’s elimination and accusing him of being a “bad omen.”

In his statement, Gachagua had praised the national team’s performance, writing:

"Our Stars, we’ve got your back. We stand with you every step of the way. You fought with spirit and determination to elevate Kenya’s football to new heights, pushing through to the CHAN quarter-finals. Your resilience and passion inspire us all. Keep shining and making us proud."

However, the message was met with hostility, as many netizens sarcastically linked the former DP’s return to the country with the team's sudden exit — ending what had been an unbeaten run for the Harambee Stars.

One user, Vik Rop, posted:

“While you were away, Kenya was peaceful, Harambee Stars won all their games, no abductions, and Kenya was united. Lakini umeamua ulete nuks. You’re really a black man with a black…”

Another user, Nurdin Brown, added:

“You are the main reason Kenya got eliminated 😭😭. Kenya was winning games until you came.”

Kismet Mutuku took a satirical jab at Gachagua’s known combative style, writing:

“I know tomorrow you'll say that Ruto and Harambee Stars planned to lose the game so they blame it on you.”

Alamacos echoed a similar sentiment:

“Wamumyoro is a bad omen to Kenyan progress! When you were away, Kenya won its matches. Guess what? You came.”

And Sanga Daisy summed up the mood with a pointed remark:

“We were good until you came in 😏. You carry your bad luck to our team, pooo.”

The online uproar reflects Gachagua’s increasingly strained relationship with the public and the political establishment, particularly following his fallout with President William Ruto earlier in the year. While the former DP has maintained a low profile since his removal from office, his reappearance during the high-stakes CHAN tournament appears to have reopened old wounds — and added fuel to new ones.

Political analysts have dismissed the backlash as largely symbolic, with some noting that fans often look for scapegoats in moments of national disappointment.

Still, the incident highlights how deeply intertwined politics and public sentiment remain in Kenya — even in matters of sport.

Despite the social media furore, Gachagua has not responded to the criticism, and his camp has remained silent.

As the Harambee Stars return home after a spirited performance, attention now turns to their future preparations — and the unpredictable politics that continue to orbit around Kenyan football.