Kenyan Deputy President draws Parallels to Trump, Cites Faith as Guiding Force
Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is positioning himself as a future leader of Kenya, emphasizing his Christian faith adn drawing comparisons to former U.S.President Donald Trump in a recent interview.Gachagua, 60, is facing a political future after leaving office and is responding to calls for leadership based on integrity and faith.
Gachagua alleges he faced multiple attempts on his life, both while in office and after his security detail was withdrawn. He claims there were two attempts to poison his food while serving as deputy President, and four subsequent attempts by armed criminal gangs, allegedly facilitated by police provision. “God has taken care of me,” he stated, adding, “again, a Trump experience.”
He identifies political corruption and violent protests as the most critically important challenges facing Kenya.Gachagua asserts that the opposition has been co-opted and oversight institutions compromised, leaving young people to voice concerns about human rights violations and a lack of accountability for the President.
Another key concern is the threat of terrorism. kenya maintains a military presence on its borders with South Sudan and Somalia,which Gachagua acknowledges often provokes retaliatory attacks by Al-Shabaab against Kenyan citizens. He expressed gratitude for the support of the American government in the fight against terror, citing intelligence sharing and the presence of U.S. military bases within Kenya.
Gachagua consistently highlights his lifelong Christian faith as central to his political outlook. He believes strong leadership is rooted in biblical principles, emphasizing the sanctity of life, industriousness, and the importance of strong family values. “When you are practicing Christian, undoubtedly you become a very good leader, especially if you are true to the Christian values,” he stated.
Looking ahead to the August 10, 2027, elections, Gachagua affirms his commitment to the democratic process. He insists on resolving political struggles through the ballot box, stating, “Kenyans will wake up early, go to the ballot and elect leaders who can take care of their country.”
Gachagua concludes by stressing the importance of a stable Kenya, not only for the East African region but also for global interests, including those of the United States. He positions Kenya as an “anchor state” whose stability contributes to regional security and aligns with American strategic interests.
