Kenyan socialite and businesswoman Huddah Monroe, known for her candid remarks and presence in the public eye, has weighed in on the recent political drama surrounding Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment. Huddah’s comments on the matter have sparked widespread discussion, especially regarding the political behavior of the Mount Kenya region and how they respond or don’t respond to their leaders’ tribulations.
In a now-viral Instagram post, Huddah Monroe asserted that it is highly unlikely for the people from the Mount Kenya region to ever protest in the streets, even in the face of one of their own, such as Rigathi Gachagua, being politically ousted. This bold statement came after Gachagua was officially removed from office following a Senate session that took place in his absence.
Monroe’s remarks touch on deeper themes of political loyalty, ethnic identity in Kenyan politics, and the contrasting dynamics of leadership in Mount Kenya compared to other regions of the country. Her reflections provide a unique lens through which to analyze both the politics surrounding Gachagua’s fall from grace and the broader behavior of the Kikuyu community in national politics.
This article will explore Huddah Monroe’s claims, delve into the political situation that led to Gachagua’s removal, and reflect on the socio-political implications of the reaction or lack thereof from the Mount Kenya region.
Huddah’s Perspective: “We Were Given Brains”
Huddah Monroe’s post was straightforward: “People thought those from the mountain would take to the streets to protest because of Gachagua. We were given brains, my friend,” she remarked, dismissing any notion of chaos or public outrage from the Mount Kenya community over Gachagua’s ouster.
Monroe’s position highlights a widely accepted belief that Mount Kenya, and particularly the Kikuyu community, is strategic in its political engagements. They are not known for public displays of discontent in the same way other regions have been, especially when it comes to the treatment of their leaders. Instead, there is a perception that the Kikuyu electorate values pragmatism and long-term political survival over immediate reactions to political setbacks.
Monroe suggests that this pragmatism stems from an inherent wisdom within the community a sentiment echoed in her assertion that, “Our vision is greater than cheap politics.” Here, she implies that the people of Mount Kenya have a greater foresight, preferring to let political events unfold without reacting emotionally, especially if it could harm their political future. The Kikuyu are often seen as calculative and politically shrewd, prioritizing their collective economic and political interests over individual personalities.
The Political Context: Rigathi Gachagua’s Fall
Rigathi Gachagua’s removal from office by the Senate took many by surprise, not least because of the political turbulence it sparked within the ruling coalition, Kenya Kwanza. Gachagua, who hails from Mathira in Nyeri County, has been a polarizing figure since his days as a district officer during former President Daniel arap Moi’s regime. His rise to the deputy presidency was seen by many as a strategic move by President William Ruto to secure the Mount Kenya vote, a critical bloc in Kenya’s political landscape.
However, Gachagua’s time in office has been riddled with controversies, with critics accusing him of being divisive and unable to unite different factions within the ruling coalition. The tipping point came when, after a protracted political battle, the Senate voted to remove him from office in a session that took place in his absence. His legal team cited that Gachagua had been hospitalized, and after his discharge on October 20, he addressed the media in a fiery speech outside Karen Hospital. He accused President Ruto of orchestrating his downfall, claiming that his security detail and staff had been withdrawn, leaving him politically isolated and on mandatory leave.
Huddah Monroe’s assertion that the Kikuyu would not protest Gachagua’s removal reflects a broader reality about Mount Kenya’s political strategy. Unlike other regions that might take to the streets in response to the perceived mistreatment of their leaders, the Kikuyu have historically approached politics differently.
Mount Kenya’s political loyalty has often been tied not to individuals but to the larger cause of economic and political stability. This may explain why, despite Gachagua’s removal, there have been no widespread protests or public displays of outrage in the region. The region’s political history is shaped by pragmatism, with the community often aligning itself with whichever leader or coalition best secures its economic and political future.
Additionally, there is a belief that Gachagua’s removal may not significantly impact the region’s long-term interests. Mount Kenya’s voting bloc is seen as powerful enough to pivot toward new alliances or leaders who can continue to advance their interests, even if that means parting ways with one of their own.
In recent years, the region has shown a capacity to quickly adapt to changing political landscapes. The Kikuyu’s decision to back President William Ruto in 2022, after many decades of loyalty to their own, is a testament to this adaptability. By supporting Ruto, they calculated that his presidency would better serve their economic interests than backing Raila Odinga, a long-time opposition leader.
The Fallout and Gachagua’s Future
Rigathi Gachagua’s future in Kenyan politics remains uncertain. His removal from office has cast doubt on his ability to regain his political footing, especially given the mounting criticisms from within his own coalition. In his post-discharge press statement, Gachagua launched a scathing attack on President Ruto, signaling a potential political rift within Kenya Kwanza.
However, it remains to be seen whether Gachagua will find support within the Mount Kenya region. His confrontational style and polarizing rhetoric may have won him some admirers, but it has also alienated many within the political class.
Huddah Monroe’s analysis, though seemingly casual, touches on an essential aspect of Mount Kenya politics. The region’s leaders must strike a delicate balance between appealing to local interests and maintaining a national appeal. Gachagua’s failure to maintain this balance may be part of why there has been no significant pushback from the region in the wake of his ouster.
Conclusion: A Vision Beyond Politics
Huddah Monroe’s commentary on the Gachagua saga serves as a reminder of the complexity of Mount Kenya’s political landscape. Her remarks highlight the community’s historical preference for pragmatism over emotion, especially in matters of national politics.
While Gachagua’s removal may be a significant development in the short term, it is unlikely to cause lasting upheaval within the region. Instead, Mount Kenya’s political class will likely continue to adapt, seeking new alliances and opportunities to ensure their continued influence on the national stage.
In a country where ethnic loyalty often drives political behavior, Mount Kenya stands out as a region where practical considerations often override the emotional attachment to individual leaders. Huddah Monroe’s reflections remind us that in Kenyan politics, it is often the silent maneuvers behind the scenes that shape the future far more than any public protest ever could.
