Gachagua switches from cousins to in-laws to woo Maa community
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has shifted his now-popular “cousin” narrative, branding the Maa community as Mount Kenya’s in-laws rather than cousins.
The shift came during a meeting with a delegation from the Maa region at his Wamunyoro residence on Monday, June 23, 2025, days after his successful tour of Ukambani, where his cousin’s slogan was widely embraced.
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In a strategic move, Gachagua acknowledged the cultural ties between the two communities, introducing a new slogan, “Hi shemeji”, in place of his usual “Hi cousin”.
“Hata juzi vile ile mambo ya cousins imekuja Maa Hapana cousins hao ni mashemeji wetu, Hii shimeji, mashemeji hii” Gachagua said.
The gesture resonated strongly with the Maa delegation, triggering cheers and a symbolic show of unity as members of the crowd rose to their feet, lifting their herding sticks in approval.
Reason behind the shift
Gachagua said the shift was informed by Mount Kenya elders, who advised him that the Maa people are not cousins but in-laws to the Agikuyu due to years of intermarriage and a shared history of trade.
According to him, the two communities have built trust over the years, with no record of dishonesty in their business dealings.
He went on to recall the long-standing relationship between the Maa and Mount Kenya communities, citing how former President Mwai Kibaki, after his fallout with Daniel Moi, sought political counsel and support from Maa leaders like John Keen and the late Parapai.
“Mimi nataka niseme, Mwai Kibaki alipokosana na Moi, alienda kutafta John Keen na marehemu Parapai, wakaniambia hao watu wa Maa nikama sisi, hawana dhuluma na ni waungwana, na ni watu straightforward. Wewe, Kwenda tafuta urafiki na watu wa MAA; wa Maa sisi ni mashemeji, tunaona tunafanya biashara pamoja,” he added.
The message appeared well-received by the Maa delegation, reinforcing growing ties between Gachagua and the region ahead of the 2027 elections.
He further acknowledged that in all the counties where Maa people are domiciled, such as Narok, Kajiado, and Laikipia, they all live in unity with Mount Kenya natives, with them doing business together, intermarrying, and having children together.
Telling them that, based on this, they must walk together ahead of 2027.
