Activist Dismisses Gachagua’s Kibaki Narrative, Says Success Was a Shared Responsibility

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has strongly dismissed claims that former President Mwai Kibaki’s development record was a product of his ethnic background, saying the former Head of State succeeded because he led a united country supported by a diverse team of professionals, policymakers, public servants and citizens.

Ngetich, who spoke on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy Eldoret, cautioned the Mt Kenya community against what he described as continued propaganda by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua aimed at misleading, inciting and turning the region against the government.

The activist said Kenya’s political leadership must avoid narratives that portray development as the achievement of one ethnic community, arguing that such statements risk reviving tribal divisions and weakening national unity.

According to Ngetich, it is true that Kibaki’s administration delivered major development projects and reforms that transformed different sectors of the economy. However, he said it was misleading and historically inaccurate to suggest that Kibaki performed simply because he was a Kikuyu.

“Kibaki served as the President of Kenya, not as the president or son of Mt Kenya. The office of the President is not an office for tribal chiefs. It is an office entrusted with the responsibility of serving all Kenyans equally, regardless of their ethnic, religious or regional backgrounds,” Ngetich said.

He argued that Kibaki’s administration succeeded because it brought together skilled Kenyans from different communities who worked collectively to develop policies, strengthen institutions, expand infrastructure and improve service delivery.

Ngetich said the success of any government is never the work of one individual or one ethnic group, but the result of cooperation between leaders, public institutions, local governments, private-sector players, community leaders and ordinary citizens.

He said Kibaki’s development agenda benefited from a shared national vision, effective policy coordination and an environment where government officials and citizens worked together to support sustainable progress.

“Development does not happen because a president comes from a particular community. Development happens when there is accountability, proper planning, discipline in public service, strong institutions and a united people working towards a common goal,” he said.

The activist accused Gachagua of attempting to create a false perception that Kenya can only achieve meaningful development when the presidency is occupied by a leader from a particular ethnic community.

He said such claims were not only divisive but also an insult to millions of Kenyans from different backgrounds who have contributed to the country’s growth since independence.

“It is highly hypocritical for Rigathi Gachagua to claim that Kibaki performed because he was a Kikuyu. Kibaki’s success came when Kenyans from all communities pulled together towards sustainable progress. His government had policymakers, civil servants, professionals and leaders from diverse ethnic groups working as a team,” Ngetich said.

He added that no administration can effectively implement development projects where leaders are busy promoting ethnic superiority, political hostility and division among citizens.

Ngetich said success in policy implementation requires what he termed a “whole-of-systems approach,” where national government officials, county governments, elected leaders, administrators, community representatives and private stakeholders share responsibility for development outcomes.

He said policies only become meaningful when they move beyond government offices and are translated into practical benefits for ordinary citizens through collaboration at the grassroots level.

“Leadership provides the framework, resources and opportunities, but citizens, institutions and local stakeholders must take ownership and drive progress. That is how roads are built, schools are improved, hospitals are equipped, jobs are created and communities are empowered,” he stated.

The human rights activist also defended President William Ruto’s administration, saying it had recorded notable achievements within a relatively short period despite political turmoil, opposition pressure and what he described as organised sabotage by individuals who were expected to support government programmes.

Ngetich said President Ruto’s performance should not be reduced to his Kalenjin identity, just as Kibaki’s legacy should not be reduced to his Kikuyu identity.

He said the President’s achievements are the result of focused leadership and the collective effort of Kenyans working in different government departments, institutions and sectors.

“President Ruto has managed to make progress despite turmoil and organised sabotage by some people who were bestowed with the responsibility to assist him. His performance is not because he is a Kalenjin. It is because of focused leadership and the team of Kenyans he has assembled to work with him,” Ngetich said.

He further noted that effective governance depends on policymakers who establish transparent institutional frameworks, ensure accountability and create systems that enable government programmes to reach citizens.

According to Ngetich, development can only be sustained where leaders stop viewing public offices as ethnic property and instead treat them as national responsibilities.

He urged leaders from all political camps to focus on policies that improve the lives of Kenyans rather than using tribal rhetoric to gain political mileage ahead of future elections.

Ngetich warned that continued ethnic mobilisation could undermine peace, national cohesion and the country’s development agenda.

He said Kenyans should reject leaders who use the achievements of former presidents to create unnecessary divisions, adding that the country’s future depends on unity and a shared commitment to national progress.

“We must recognise Kibaki and the entire team that worked with him to deliver development. We must also recognise that every successful administration relies on the contribution of many people. Sustainable growth requires active collaboration, not tribal politics,” he said.

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy Eldoret now wants Gachagua to stop attributing matters of national importance to one ethnic group, saying such remarks create a dangerous perception that government can only perform when top leadership comes from a specific community.

Ngetich maintained that Kenya’s development agenda belongs to all citizens and should be pursued through unity, accountability, inclusion and respect for the country’s diversity.