By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Kenyans have expressed mixed reactions after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was pictured boarding a Kenya Airways plane.
Photos of the DP at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) made rounds on social media on the better parts of Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
In the photos, the second in command is seen carrying his luggage as he boards the plane.
Reports indicate he was headed to Mombasa for International Scientific Conference where he will be the Chief Guest.
The event is set for Wednesday.
Following the emergence of the photos, Kenyans and political leaders have expressed mixed reactions.
Political leaders that have been on the opposing sides of the DP hit out at him claiming it was seeking sympathy.
One of them is Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wa.
“Neither President @WilliamsRuto nor the Government of Kenya or Members of Parliament will succumb to BLACKMAIL. No amount of sympathy seeking photos, vernacular stations campaigns, social media blogging troops will handover billions to satisfy anyone’s INSATIABLE GREED for POWER & MONEY,” said the leader of the majority who has openly been accusing the DP of tribalism.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi on the other hand claimed the DP’s political gimmics were courtesy of former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu.
Wambugu was a Jubilee candidate in the 2022 general election but lost the seat that was won by UDA.
“If you find yourself depending on @ngunjiriwambugu Kameko as your advisor, then just know you are doomed. It is better to be advised by a class 2 child,” the legislator considered a close ally of President William Ruto said.
Most of the Kenyans on X were divided in opinion over the photos. Some claimed it was for political sympathy while others noted they were meant to send a political message.
Here are some of the comments compiled by Nairobi Review:
Abuga Makori: DP Rigathi Gachagua saving costs. President William Ruto has significantly cut expenditure in the upcoming budget. Expect thorough fiscal discipline and austerity measures. The two are leading by example.
Onyango Okello Oloo: SEEK ATTENTION AT ALL COSTS. Their is no negative attention. All attention is important. Whether he is seeking sympathy from his people or not, DP Rigathi Gachagua has the attention of Kenyans.
Akamanji Thomas: What is DP Rigathi Gachagua trying to depict? Which message is he sending now with a suitcase boarding KQ in JKIA to Mombasa?
The Government Critic: The kind of embarrassment DP Rigathi Gachagua is getting from Ruto is outrageously. Riggy G going to Mombasa on Kenya Airways confirms to us that he’s being denied access to govt choppers. One thing Ruto must know is that Riggy G is not President Uhuru Kenyatta, he will revenge
Ni Hulius: DP Rigathi Gachagua spotted using Kenya Airways at JKIA carrying his suitcase. People have started fearing government jets and helicopters. What’s the problem or are they unavailable? Riggy G be like nipige waone nabeba suitcase yangu.
It is worth mentioning that the latest incident comes just days after the DP openly told the President that he had challenges with his transport to attend an event in Nakuru.
He arrived at the event using a private helicopter.