USA: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua came under fire from Kenyan youth living in the United States during a town hall meeting in Baltimore, where he was accused of promoting divisive and ethnic-based politics.

Valentine Wanjiru Githae, a vocal member of the youth-led 625 Movement, confronted Gachagua during the event, urging him to adopt a more inclusive and national outlook if he intends to contest the 2027 presidential election.

“We are Gen Zs, and we are here to speak the truth. If we fail to do so, we risk repeating the same mistakes,” said Wanjiru, who hails from Mathira, Gachagua’s home constituency.

She criticized him for opening the meeting in Kikuyu, arguing that such choices send the wrong message in a diverse and multicultural diaspora setting.

“Even though I am Kikuyu, we must avoid locking ourselves into ethnic boxes. If we emphasize our tribe, others will do the same—and that’s how division starts,” she warned.

Wanjiru also referenced a statement Gachagua made at a previous rally in Boston, where he lauded the Kikuyu as the drivers of Kenya’s economy due to their supposed unmatched work ethic.

She condemned the remarks as promoting tribal entitlement and downplaying the efforts of other communities.

“We cannot claim that people from other tribes aren’t hardworking. This entitlement narrative among Kikuyus must end,” she said pointedly.

“I wouldn’t be honest with Mheshimiwa if I didn’t call this out.”

Responding to the criticism, Gachagua dismissed the tribalism allegations and shifted blame to the ruling coalition.

“My daughter, don’t buy into that narrative. It’s a tactic by Kenya Kwanza to intimidate the Mt Kenya community,” he said, defending his remarks and political stance.

The exchange has ignited debate among Kenyans at home and abroad over the role of ethnic identity in national leadership, with many in the diaspora calling for leaders to rise above tribal politics in favor of unity and exclusivity.