The political landscape in Kenya is witnessing heightened tensions following a public clash between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri.
The disagreement, centered on the role of the military in national affairs, has sparked debate among politicians and the public, with various leaders weighing in on the controversy.
Gachagua’s Warning to General Kahariri
Speaking at a public event, Deputy President Gachagua issued a stern warning to General Kahariri, cautioning him against involving the military in political matters.
“We do not have any problem with anyone. However, Chief of the Defence Forces Charles Kahariri, do not associate yourself with politics. The military should remain a respected organization,” Gachagua stated.
He further warned that any perceived political interference by the military could erode public trust in the institution.
“General Kahariri, don’t bring politics into the barracks. Siasa ni ngumu, itakuchoma (Politics is tough, it will burn you),” he added, implying that military involvement in governance matters could have dire consequences.
Gachagua reiterated that the armed forces should focus on their constitutional duty of protecting Kenya from external threats and should not be drawn into domestic political disputes.
Addressing recent political slogans, he sought to clarify their meaning, stating, “’Ruto must go’ is not a chant to physically remove the president from power; rather, it is a call by Kenyans to prepare themselves ahead of removing the president in the 2027 election.”
Political Backlash: MP Zaheer Jhanda and Others Respond
Gachagua’s remarks drew sharp criticism from several quarters, including Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda, who accused the Deputy President of undermining Kenya’s constitutional order.
“Rigathi Gachagua’s reckless attempt to lecture the Chief of Defence Forces and drag the military into his bitter, self-serving politics is both dangerous and desperate. His demand that General Charles Kahariri ‘go back to the barracks’ is misguided and a thinly veiled attempt to undermine discipline and constitutional order,” Jhanda stated.
Defending General Kahariri’s position, Jhanda insisted that the military, alongside the National Intelligence Service (NIS), has a constitutional duty to protect Kenya’s sovereignty and democracy.
He argued that when security agencies caution against anarchic slogans, they are upholding national stability rather than engaging in politics.
“William Samoei Ruto was elected by millions of Kenyans in a democratic process. If the former Mathira MP and his cohorts are so eager for power, let them wait for 2027 instead of peddling street theatrics that endanger national unity,” Jhanda added.
Kimani Ichung’wah and Kipchumba Murkomen Defend Kahariri
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah also defended General Kahariri, dismissing claims that the military chief was engaging in political rhetoric.
“General Kahariri never spoke politics. He only reminded Kenyans what the constitution says—that if you want to remove the head of state, you have to do so according to the law. This other talk of ‘Ruto must go’ has no meaning,” Ichung’wah stated.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen weighed in on the broader implications of the political discourse, raising concerns over the impact of social media on national cohesion.
In what appeared to be a veiled reference to Gachagua and his allies, Murkomen cautioned against the rise of divisive rhetoric, linking it to mental health struggles among young people.
“The future of a country needs order, and the government cannot allow Gen Z to operate without control. Freedom without control is dangerous for society,” Murkomen warned.
He backed the warnings issued by NIS Director Noordin Haji and General Kahariri, arguing that their statements were based on informed positions meant to protect national stability.
The Bigger Picture: Military Neutrality vs. Political Accountability
The public altercation between Gachagua and Kahariri highlights a growing debate over the role of Kenya’s security apparatus in governance.
While some argue that the military should strictly adhere to its apolitical mandate, others contend that security agencies have a duty to speak out against actions that threaten national stability.
As Kenya inches closer to the 2027 elections, the political atmosphere is likely to remain charged, with leaders on both sides of the divide seeking to shape public opinion.
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Whether Gachagua’s warning will influence the military’s conduct or further entrench political divisions remains to be seen.
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