Makau Mutua Dismisses Gachagua’s Presidential Bid, Calls Him a ‘Neanderthal’

By Beatrice Mose

Constitutional law scholar Prof. Makau Mutua has launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, questioning both his eligibility to vie for the presidency and his suitability for the country’s highest office.

Mutua made the remarks during an online political debate on whether Gachagua’s impeachment disqualifies him from contesting future elections.

“Now, ‘Riggy G’ is an impeached man who cannot legally contest in any election. But even if he could, is this the type of Neanderthal man we want running our nation? This guy is indeed a Neanderthal man and not from the Bronze Age. Even the hill people, I think, have had their fill of him,” Mutua said.

The outspoken law professor’s remarks come amid renewed debate over Gachagua’s political future following his impeachment. Despite his removal from office, the former deputy president has remained active in national politics, holding public meetings and engaging supporters as speculation continues over his next political move.

Mutua’s comments are expected to provoke strong reactions, particularly from Gachagua’s supporters, who continue to view the former deputy president as one of the most influential political figures in the Mt. Kenya region.

By suggesting that residents of the Mt. Kenya region had “had their fill” of Gachagua, Mutua challenged claims by the former deputy president’s allies that he still enjoys widespread support in the region.

The question of Gachagua’s eligibility to contest future elections remains the subject of legal and political debate. While some constitutional experts argue that his impeachment could bar him from holding public office, others maintain that the matter may ultimately require judicial interpretation should he seek to contest a future election.