Wantam Chants as Gachagua Is Invited to Address Mourners Before Moses Wetang’ula Is Called Up

Wantam Chants as Gachagua Is Invited to Address Mourners Before Moses Wetang’ula Is Called Up

A requiem mass in Nyandarua County on Wednesday, April 8, briefly descended into confusion and political tension after chants linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua erupted moments before he was expected to address mourners.

The memorial service, held in honour of the late Ol Kalou Member of Parliament Njuguna Kiaraho, had drawn a high-profile gathering of leaders, including President William Ruto, Members of Parliament, and local residents. What began as a solemn occasion, however, gradually took on a political tone, reflecting underlying divisions in the Mt Kenya region.

Political Undertones Emerge

The shift in mood was first noticeable during remarks by Kinangop MP Zachary Kwenya Thuku, who delivered a speech widely interpreted as a veiled critique of Gachagua and his allies. While he did not directly name the former deputy president, Thuku cautioned against what he described as misinformation and incitement.

“It may look as if people are being incited, people are being misled, lakini ukweli utasimama… ukweli ukidhihiri, uwongo hujitenga,” Thuku said, expressing confidence that the region would ultimately support the current administration.

He further reassured President Ruto of continued backing from Nyandarua leaders, noting that political challenges would not derail development efforts.

Invitation Sparks Confusion

The situation took an unexpected turn when Thuku deviated from the programme and invited Gachagua to address the gathering.

“Nataka kuchukua nafasi hii nimkaribishe aliyekuwa Naibu wa Rais aseme yake… karibu Rigathi Gachagua,” he announced, prompting cheers from sections of the crowd.

However, the invitation did not immediately lead to Gachagua taking the podium. Instead, a brief moment of uncertainty followed as the programme appeared to shift direction.

In a move that surprised some attendees, Moses Wetang’ula stepped forward, effectively taking control of the proceedings.

“Wantam” Chants Disrupt Proceedings

The abrupt change triggered a strong reaction from parts of the audience, who broke into loud chants of “Wantam”, a slogan commonly associated with Gachagua’s political messaging advocating for a one-term presidency for Ruto.

The chants momentarily disrupted the programme and underscored the political undercurrents surrounding the event. Observers noted that the slogan, increasingly heard in political gatherings, has become symbolic of growing dissent within sections of the Mt Kenya electorate.

Despite the charged atmosphere, Wetang’ula proceeded to steer the event back to its formal schedule. He invited a group of Members of Parliament to present a musical tribute in honour of the late legislator, temporarily setting aside the earlier invitation extended to Gachagua.

Programme Resumes Amid Tension

Following the performance, the Speaker resumed his role, recognising leaders present from both the National Assembly and the Senate. The programme continued without further interruption, though the earlier episode left a noticeable impression on attendees.

Political analysts say the incident reflects the increasingly blurred lines between official functions and political mobilisation, particularly in regions considered critical battlegrounds ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Broader Implications

The events in Nyandarua highlight the growing rivalry between President Ruto and his former deputy, a dynamic that continues to shape political discourse in the Mt Kenya region.

While funerals and memorial services have traditionally served as spaces for unity and reflection, recent trends suggest they are increasingly being used as platforms for political expression.

Despite the brief disruption, leaders from across the political divide ultimately joined mourners in paying tribute to the late MP, bringing the focus back to the purpose of the gathering.

However, the “Wantam” chants served as a stark reminder of the evolving political landscape, signalling that tensions remain high as the country edges closer to the next electoral cycle.

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Wantam Chants as Gachagua Is Invited to Address Mourners Before Moses Wetang’ula Is Called Up