Mutua Criticizes Gachagua Over ‘Cousins’ Remark, Calls It Divisive and Insulting
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has harshly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his widely-known slogan “Hi Cousins,” saying it is disrespectful and meant to divide communities for political gain.
Speaking on Tuesday, June 17, during a public event, Mutua accused Gachagua of using the “cousins” narrative as a tool to manipulate certain regions for his own political advantage. He described the slogan as an “insult” and warned that such language only fosters division rather than unity.
“You keep calling us cousins as if we’re children who don’t understand what’s going on. I want to make it clear—we are not your cousins. We are intelligent people with our own culture and identity. Who even refers to their in-laws as cousins? It’s disrespectful,” Mutua stated.
He went on to urge Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to step in and advise Gachagua on how to communicate respectfully and engage different communities in a dignified manner.
“Kalonzo may be quiet and humble, even fearful of confronting Gachagua directly, but that doesn’t mean he should stay silent.
He should talk to him and explain the difference between what is acceptable and what is not. This same disrespect Gachagua is showing us today is the same reason he once said we don’t bring in enough votes,” Mutua added.
Mutua’s remarks follow closely on comments made earlier by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who also voiced concerns about Gachagua’s “cousin” remarks. Wetang’ula warned that such statements could stir ethnic tensions and further divide the nation.
“In Kenya, we have no room for ethnic politics. Just recently, I saw a billboard along Mombasa Road where a leader was branding the Kamba community as cousins. That is not only false, but it’s also a very dangerous way to do politics,” Wetang’ula said while addressing a crowd in Kitui on June 9.
Although he didn’t mention Gachagua by name, Wetang’ula described the unnamed leader as someone who seems “driven by anger and poor temperament.”
He also used the platform to caution Kalonzo Musyoka against aligning himself too closely with Gachagua, saying the Wiper leader should not allow others to control his political decisions. Wetang’ula encouraged Kalonzo to consider switching allegiances and joining forces with President William Ruto’s administration.
“To my brother Kalonzo, don’t let anyone decide who your friends or enemies should be. Just because someone has an issue with another person doesn’t mean you should, too. Make your own choices,” Wetang’ula advised.
But Kalonzo firmly rejected Wetang’ula’s proposal and dismissed claims that he was planning to defect from the opposition. On Sunday, June 15, he released a bold statement, reaffirming his commitment to the opposition and calling out the ruling coalition for their attempts to woo him.
“This is nothing but a distraction, a weak strategy aimed at breaking up the United Opposition. I cannot align myself with people who have the blood of Gen Z youths on their hands, including that of Albert Ojwang.
Kenyans know what’s really going on. Mr. HalfTam, I stand with the people and will not abandon them,” Kalonzo declared.
His comments served as a direct response to efforts by Kenya Kwanza leaders who have been trying to convince him to abandon the opposition and support the government.
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