Kenyan comedian Njugush has sparked online conversation after issuing a sharp retort to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who recently urged Gen Zs to call off their street protests. Gachagua, currently in the United States on a month-long tour following his 2024 impeachment, pleaded with young Kenyans not to take to the streets, citing the government’s shoot-to-kill orders targeting protestors accused of vandalism. He argued that the youth had already made their point and should now adopt a strategic approach.
Gachagua’s comments, however, struck a nerve with many young Kenyans, including Njugush. The comedian, known for his wit and satire, responded sarcastically by questioning whether Gachagua truly believed he was aligned with Gen Z. “Huyu naye nani alimwambia tuko kimoja?” Njugush posted online—roughly translated as, “Who told this guy we’re on the same side?”
The backlash didn’t stop there. Netizens quickly joined in, voicing their frustrations and calling out what they perceived as performative allyship. One commenter accused Gachagua of seeing public protests not as a cry for justice but as an opportunity to further his political ambitions. “Our pain is his platform. Our protests are his publicity. He doesn’t want to fix the system—he wants to use it for himself,” the commenter said, urging Kenyans to reject such figures come 2027.
Another social media user mockingly referred to Gachagua as a “commander” who had recalled his “troops” after widespread property destruction, while others emphasized that Gen Z did not recognize Gachagua as one of their own or as someone capable of leading them. One user wrote, “Who told you that you are the leader of Gen Z? Gen Z are in their own.”
Meanwhile, others criticized Njugush and other content creators, blaming them for Kenya’s current political woes. “The current problem with Kenya is because people started listening to and voting in content creators instead of ideas,” a post read, taking a jab at the influence of entertainers in political discourse.
While Gachagua’s comments were presented as a caution against the danger posed by government orders, many interpreted them as an attempt to suppress the youth-led movement and distance himself from accountability. His appeal for “strategic retreat” was seen as tone-deaf by those who believe the protests are far from over and necessary for change.
In a separate development, Gachagua was seen reuniting with popular Mugithi artist Samidoh Muchoki in Seattle. The two shared a warm embrace, rekindling their long-standing friendship. Despite facing a pending arrest warrant in Kenya for allegedly neglecting his duties as a police officer, Samidoh has continued with his music career abroad and is planning a grand homecoming concert on July 26. Gachagua previously advised Samidoh to consider leaving the police force altogether, noting the singer’s financial success in the entertainment industry.
This reunion has also stirred reactions online, with some questioning the priorities of public figures who seem disconnected from the struggles on the ground back home. The ongoing protests and the reactions from both politicians and entertainers reflect the generational rift and the rising demand for accountability in Kenya’s leadership.
