Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika Condemns Gachagua's Remarks: "The Country Is Bigger Than Any Individual"

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has issued a scathing rebuke of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, condemning what she termed as “reckless and dangerous” remarks made in response to mounting political pressure and the threat of impeachment.

In a strongly worded statement, Governor Kihika decried Gachagua’s comments, warning that his rhetoric is stoking division and tension at a time when Kenya needs national unity. She urged leaders to rise above personal interests and place the country’s peace and stability first.

“This is an extremely reckless statement from a so-called leader,” said Kihika. “Coming from a County that bore the brunt of the 2007/08 post-election violence, this is unacceptable. Kenya has paid dearly for incitement before—we must never go down that road again.”

Impeachment Is Not a National Crisis

Gachagua, who has come under increasing fire for alleged abuse of office and political misconduct, has framed the push for his impeachment as an attack on his ethnic community and a threat to national cohesion. Governor Kihika dismissed this narrative, calling it “irresponsible and self-serving.”

“He must stop imagining that his impeachment is a national crisis for which the country should burn,” she said.

Quoting the late Prof. George Saitoti, a former Vice President and one of Kenya’s most respected statesmen, Kihika reminded Gachagua and the nation:

‘There comes a time when the country is bigger than an individual.’ Mr. Gachagua, that time is now!”

Call for National Unity and Accountability

Governor Kihika, a senior leader in the Rift Valley and a vocal advocate for peace, said Kenyans must reject divisive politics and hold all leaders accountable—regardless of rank or region.

“We are a democracy. Impeachment, when constitutionally pursued, is a legal process—not a declaration of war. No one is above the law,” she stated.

Historical Responsibility

Nakuru County was one of the worst-hit regions during the 2007/08 post-election violence, which left over 1,000 dead and displaced hundreds of thousands. Governor Kihika warned that invoking ethnic divisions or using inflammatory language, particularly from leaders in high office, risks reawakening old wounds.

“We owe it to the victims and survivors of that dark period to do better,” she added. “Let us build Kenya on the foundation of truth, justice, and unity—not fear, tribalism, and selfish ambition.”

May 17, 2025