Osoro dismisses Gachagua’s cousin and one-term narrative as political deception
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro has dismissed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s attempts to endear himself to coastal communities, describing his rhetoric as politically deceptive and rooted in tribal entitlement.
Speaking in the Coast region on July 6, 2025, ahead of the planned Saba Saba protests, Osoro took aim at Gachagua’s recent remarks referring to coastal residents as “cousins,” accusing him of using identity politics to seek relevance after his 2024 impeachment.
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“They once said that the Coast region doesn’t count—that you don’t have enough ‘shares.’ Now they’ve come back and started calling you cousins,” Osoro stated.
The MP challenged the sincerity of this messaging, questioning the physical resemblance between Gachagua and coastal communities.
“When I look at their faces and then look at you here—beautiful women, handsome men—I don’t see anyone who resembles that gentleman. That man is not your cousin, please. No, no, no. Look properly—does he look like you? Let’s be honest—could that man be your cousin? Could he?” he posed.
Political opportunism
Osoro accused Gachagua of political opportunism, suggesting that the former Deputy President’s change in rhetoric toward coastal communities coincided with political developments in the region, including the inclusion of coastal politicians like Hassan Joho and Salim Mvurya in government.
“Back then, they said you didn’t have any shares. When you entered government—when there was Joho, when there was Mvurya—they changed tune and started calling you cousins,” he noted.
Turning his fire on the “one-term” campaign slogan touted by some of Gachagua’s allies, Osoro dismissed the messaging as hollow.
“When those other people come here, if you ask them what they want, they say: ‘One term.’ If you ask them who their presidential candidate is, they say: ‘One term,’” he explained.
He contrasted that with what he described as the Kenya Kwanza government’s focus on development, highlighting progress in roads, electrification, housing, and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHA).
“When we come here, we come with resources. Today, we’ve brought money. We haven’t just come to talk. My colleagues have spoken about the Social Health Authority (SHA), about housing, about electricity and roads,” he remarked.
Ethnic politics
The Majority Whip urged Kenyans to reject ethnic politics in the 2027 election and support leaders with a vision for unity and progress.
“In 2027, we must end tribal politics. Whether they win or lose, let them win or lose,” he said.
“There is no one among them who even looks presidential. If you line them all up, then put William Ruto next to them—even you, deep down, know who you would pick. Let’s just be honest,” he added.
