Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua shared a personal reflection on his life after being impeached by Parliament. His candid words provided insight into how the former second-in-command has come to terms with the turbulence of his political career and how he now finds himself with more time to focus on matters that he had long neglected.
Gachagua’s impeachment, which ended his tenure as Deputy President, came after a series of dramatic political events that saw his public image closely scrutinized. For many, his exit from office represented a loss of power, a diminishing of political influence, and a potential blow to his future in the government. However, Gachagua himself has a different perspective. While acknowledging that his departure from the position was painful, he noted that it also brought with it an unexpected benefit time.
The former Deputy President’s remarks were laced with wisdom drawn from his own experiences. “What has happened to us in leaving office, at least the positive thing, is that now we have time for friends,” Gachagua said. The implication here is clear: in the high-stakes, demanding world of politics, there is little room for personal relationships and the simple joys of life. Being second-in-command often means constant engagement with political matters, long hours of meetings, and an ever-present need to manage public perception.
For Gachagua, his removal from office allowed him to take a step back and reconnect with the people and relationships he once had to prioritize less. The nature of political office can be isolating. It forces individuals to keep their circle small, sometimes alienating close friends and family in the pursuit of public office. With the pressures of his former role now behind him, Gachagua has found solace in returning to a more grounded existence. This renewed focus on friends reflects a desire to reclaim some of the time that was once consumed by the relentless demands of his political duties.
Gachagua’s comments about friendship resonated with many in the audience. “Friends are very important, and there are not many genuine ones. If you have five friends, you are fortunate,” he added. This observation underscores the difficulty of maintaining true friendships while navigating the complex world of politics, where loyalty and sincerity are often tested. In Gachagua’s case, his rise to power required him to make hard decisions, engage in complex alliances, and occasionally, distance himself from those whose interests did not align with his.
Now, without the political constraints that previously shaped his life, Gachagua is able to reconnect with those he values. The former Deputy President’s statement about having “enough time for friends” is not just a reflection of personal freedom but also a nod to the importance of meaningful connections in an individual’s life. It speaks to the need for genuine relationships, something that many people especially in the public eye find difficult to sustain.
Beyond his personal life, Gachagua also took the opportunity to address the broader political landscape, particularly the issues that led to his removal from office. He openly acknowledged that he had faced challenges due to his willingness to speak candidly about the issues affecting Kenyans. According to Gachagua, his straightforwardness and refusal to shy away from hard truths were significant factors that led to his political downfall. His honesty, he implied, came at a cost.
“I encountered trouble for speaking openly about issues affecting Kenyans that needed addressing,” Gachagua remarked. This sentiment reflects a recurring theme in his political career—his tendency to challenge the status quo and speak out when he believed that the voices of ordinary citizens were not being heard. Gachagua’s tenure was marked by his willingness to stand up for what he saw as the needs of the common people, even if it meant going against powerful figures or controversial policies. His impeachment, in some ways, is a testament to the price that often comes with such blunt honesty.
During the funeral, Gachagua also addressed the role of the clergy in holding those in power accountable. He urged members of the church to speak out against injustice and corruption, drawing from biblical teachings to emphasize the importance of truth. “Even the Bible says, the truth shall set you free,” Gachagua said, suggesting that the clergy should not remain silent when the government fails to act in the best interests of the people. His call for the clergy to continue speaking truth to power echoed a sentiment that has resonated with many Kenyans in recent years, particularly in light of political scandals and societal issues.
