Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended his decision to address Kenyans living in the United States predominantly in his native Kikuyu language during his month-long tour.

While speaking to a largely Kikuyu community in the diaspora, Gachagua’s choice has attracted both praise and criticism, with some government leaders accusing him of sowing division and disregarding national unity.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other high-ranking government officials have voiced their concerns, arguing that Gachagua’s use of his native language risks alienating Kenyans from other communities. Mudavadi condemned the ex-DP’s approach, accusing him of fueling disunity.

“He has taken his bad manners and tribalism to America!” Mudavadi remarked.

In response, Gachagua dismissed the accusations as “cheap politics” from a “collapsing regime.” Speaking from Boston, Gachagua emphasized, “I have no apologies to make for speaking in Kikuyu. I am not a white man or a Chinese. I am a proud Kikuyu. I cannot speak in the colonial language when addressing my own people.”

Gachagua also urged Kenyans from all communities to embrace and celebrate their native languages as a way to preserve their cultural identity. “I encourage all Kenyans to speak their languages more often,” he said.

Although his remarks were met with mixed reactions, many online users voiced their opinions, with some criticizing Gachagua’s choice of language and others defending it.

One user wrote, “There is nothing wrong with being proud of your language and community, but when you aspire to lead a country of over 43 tribes with distinct languages, you fail to speak for the rest. This confirms why he was impeached and why he doesn’t represent the Kenya of today.”

Another user commented, “Tell Gachagua that there are Kisiis, Luos, Kalenjins, etc. in Boston and that they are not Chinese or white but don’t understand Kikuyu, the language you are proud to speak in.”

However, some online users supported Gachagua’s position. One wrote, “Gikuyu people when visited by their own artists prefer & enjoy their songs and food. When Gachagua is in their midst, what language do you expect him to use? There are idioms and phrases that only people of a certain community can articulate for the message to sink and have meaning!”

Despite the controversy, Gachagua remains steadfast in his belief that speaking in Kikuyu is a way to connect with his people, and he insists that every Kenyan should embrace their linguistic heritage.