Bajuni Leaders Strongly Condemn Rigathi Gachagua Over Alleged Ethnic Remarks on County Leadership

Leaders from the Bajuni community have issued a sharp rebuke against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting ethnic division by suggesting that key elective positions in Lamu should be reserved for members of a particular community.

Speaking in Mombasa, Nominated Senator Shakila Abdalla read a joint statement on behalf of the group, describing Gachagua’s reported comments as “improper, tribal, and unbecoming of a national leader.” She emphasized Lamu’s long-standing tradition of welcoming people from all backgrounds without discrimination.

“Lamu is a place that embraces every community,” Abdalla declared. “We have already endured serious insecurity challenges, and remarks like these only make the situation worse.”

The leaders condemned what they called outdated politics of ethnic favoritism and exclusion, insisting that national figures have a responsibility to unite rather than divide Kenyans. They demanded that Gachagua issue an unconditional public apology for the statements.

The Bajuni representatives further called on all residents of Lamu to register as voters in large numbers and to exercise their democratic right without ethnic bias when the time comes. Senator Abdalla warned that minority communities across the country could unite against any group attempting to dominate through tribal politics.

Former Member of Parliament Mohamed described the remarks as “very harmful,” stressing that every community in Lamu enjoys equal constitutional rights and that national security must never be undermined by divisive rhetoric.

Women leader Amina Khalid, vowed that Lamu voters would reject Gachagua’s political allies in future elections. “We have leaders from different communities who serve us well,” she said. “Come 2027, Lamu will send a clear message at the ballot box.”

Former Mayor Hassan Abdala called for transparency regarding any political connections between residents of Mpeketoni and the former Deputy President. He stressed the importance of preserving the peaceful coexistence that has characterized life in Lamu for decades and expressed support for greater political unity across the coastal region, including backing Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho as a unifying figure.

Sultan Omar Shariff added his voice, condemning any notion of ethnic entitlement to leadership positions in the county. “Such thinking is wrong and dangerous,” he said, joining calls for a formal investigation into the matter.

The group collectively described Gachagua as a threat to national unity and argued that his leadership approach is more suited to a district administrative role than to national politics. They urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to summon him and investigate the statements for possible hate speech and incitement.

The controversy stems from an interview Gachagua reportedly gave to a Kikuyu-language media outlet, during which he allegedly suggested that the majority of elective seats in Lamu County—including governor, senator, and woman representative—should be held by members of a specific community.

The backlash from Lamu has resonated beyond the county, with leaders from other regions expressing similar concerns about divisive ethnic rhetoric in national politics.

As Kenya prepares for the next general election, the Bajuni community and their allies are sending a firm message: Lamu will defend its tradition of inclusivity, peaceful coexistence, and equal opportunity for all.