Stop Lamu ethnic irresponsible politics, Gachagua told
He warned that attempts to determine leadership based on ethnicity are unconstitutional, illegal, warning that such narratives could inflame tensions in a county known for its delicate ethnic balance.
Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) director Khelef Khalif has condemned what he described as reckless and inflammatory remarks by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, who allegedly claimed that leadership positions in Lamu County—from the governor to the majority of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs)—should be reserved for a single ethnic community.
Khelef called on the former Deputy President to retract the statements, saying they promote ethnic supremacy and undermine the spirit of the Constitution, which outlaws discrimination, demands inclusivity, and explicitly protects minority communities from domination.
“Kenya is not a tribal estate to be allocated through ethnic arithmetic. Lamu County is not for political occupation. It is home to indigenous and historically marginalised communities whose rights are protected by law—not subject to the ambitions of any political figure or ethnic bloc,” he said in a statement.
“We will not normalise ethnic supremacy. We will not accept demographic aggression disguised as politics. And we will not allow Lamu to be reduced to a playground for majoritarian domination. We demand that Rigathi Gachagua retract these statements and respect the constitutional order he swore to uphold,” he added.
Khelef warned that attempts to determine leadership based on ethnicity are unconstitutional, illegal, and potentially dangerous warning that such narratives could inflame tensions in a county known for its delicate ethnic balance.
In January, leaders from Lamu, including the Bajuni Council of Elders and Senator Shakila Abdalla, also criticised Gachagua over what they termed divisive and tribalistic remarks. They accused him of treating Lamu as an extension of the Mount Kenya region and favouring certain ethnic groups.