During the funeral, Senator Richard Onyonka’s speech appeared to catch many off guard as he took a confrontational tone against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Onyonka openly criticized Gachagua’s leadership, accusing him of being disconnected from the struggles of ordinary Kenyans.
He raised issues like the high cost of living, unemployment, and political mismanagement, sparking tension among the attendees. The senator’s bold remarks seemed to focus on the failures of the current administration, making Gachagua uncomfortable.
The atmosphere grew tense as the audience listened, and Gachagua, visibly agitated, almost walked out of the burial service.
Sources from the event reported that Gachagua struggled to maintain his composure, with many speculating that he felt personally attacked by Onyonka’s words.
The DP’s body language revealed his frustration, as he remained unusually quiet during the remainder of the event, a departure from his normally outspoken demeanor.
Political commentators quickly picked up on the incident, interpreting it as a sign of the growing divisions within Kenyan leadership.
The fact that Gachagua chose to stay, despite his apparent discomfort, was viewed by some as a strategic move to avoid further backlash.
However, the confrontation highlighted a growing trend where public figures, especially from the opposition, are becoming more vocal in their criticisms of the Deputy President.
This reflects the deepening political rifts in the country as it grapples with socioeconomic challenges.
This kind of public confrontation is not new in Kenyan politics, but it underscores the pressure the current administration faces.
With growing discontent among the population, such fiery exchanges could become more frequent, especially as leaders like Onyonka take the opportunity to address the frustrations felt by ordinary citizens.