Riggy G, the grandmaster of goofs and gaffes

Kenyan’s political history is replete with leaders who, more often than not, brightened our days with their acute sense of humour and shenanigans.

By tickling our funny bone, we sometimes overlook some of their serious character flaws.

Many have heard of the ribcracking jokes from the likes of Mulu Mutisya, Odongo Omamo, Shariff Nassir and more recently, Kalembe Ndile.

In the last elections another politician began gaining notoriety for his tongue in cheek jokes and light moments that made easy fodder for cartoonists and meme makers.

That’s none other than deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.

Before being propelled to the national limelight by being chosen as president Ruto’s running mate, Gachagua was a little known politician.

His being connected with multimillion corruption scandals aside, Gachagua began amusing many with his light touch statements, which have sparked far reaching reactions from netizens.

During the deputy presidential debate last year, while appearing side by side with his Azimio counterpart Martha Karua, Gachagua amazed many when he was asked about the price of kerosene.

“I don’t know the price because I usually don’t go to the supermarket” he quipped to the amazement of all.

During the burial of his late brother l last year, Gachagua amazed many when he said lightheartedly, “I think it’s a good concept to have many children. When Europeans came they told us to get two children and we accepted that. Looking back at my case,I think it was foolish”

However, the most hilarious moment was during the swearing in ceremony at Kasarani stadium when Gachagua misread the script, leading to confusion.

As the chief registrar started reading out the oath, she suddenly stopped after Gachagua was captured whispering someone to her ear.

This moment of confusion ignited hilarious reactions online, with memes flooding social media platforms, with some remarking that Gachagua was trying to swear himself into office!

In fact his fast rise to social media fame has been connected with his poor sense of fashion, something he has publicly admitted, saying he did not have time to buy new clothes during the campaign period.

From ill-fitting suits to oversize jackets, floppy trousers and all, these have ignited trolls on social media and more so from Kenyans on Twitter (KOT).

Following his nomination as the UDA presidential running mate, Gachagua appeared in public wearing oversize suits with many wondering if he shares the same tailor with president Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

Some went as far as offering to help him fix his wardrobe for the sake of his image as the second most powerful leader in the country.

“I know of a place we can get slim-fit suits that will make you look stylish and people will start seeing you as a deputy president”a Twitter user commented in one of the online trolls.

However, while insisting that his wife Dorcas who is a pastor was happy with the manner in which he dressed, the deputy president admitted that he was in a pretty bad shape and had started hitting the gym.

“Going forward, I will be back in the gym. I know many people have been raising questions about how I dress and I want to tell them I had no luxury to think about dressings. I was caring about my life, I was in danger and I had to look over my shoulders to make sure that I live to take care of my family” Gachagua had once told journalists at his Karen home, adding, “ I am in pretty bad shape. In another three months, I will be in very good shape and people will love it”

Talking of his past, Gachagua has never failed to remind all who care to listen that he rose from a humble background where clothing items like underwear were a luxury.

He has publicly revealed that he wore that piece of clothing while in form two.

However, the deputy president has always insisted that he is a committed family man, who cares about family values.

A couple of weeks ago, accompanied by his wife Dorcas, the deputy president walked for more than eight kilometres to visit his aunt.

Along the way he came into contact with some of his village mates who grew up with him.

“As I walked to her home, which is 8 kilometres away, it brought back memories of similar journeys I made to her home in the seventies to get yellow passion fruits” Gachagua reminisced.

The deputy president has now gladly accepted the moniker Riggy-G and rewarded the content creator Ivy Chelimo who came up with it.

He described it as being melodious to the ear”, adding that it had made it easier for people who would experience difficulties pronouncing his full names.

“The young lady decided that Rigathi Gachagua is a little bit difficult and not melodious, we need to give him the name Riggy G” he was quoted saying.

He said the Kenya Kwanza administration would continue rewarding talents as part of a grand plan to create more employment opportunities for the jobless youths.

On her part, Chelimo said on Twitter that she was overwhelmed by Gachagua’s gesture.

“I have shed tears, but never like tonight. God saw me and chose to reward me” she said.

As time progresses I am sure Kenyan’s will be regaled with more humorous gems from this grand master of political anecdotes, his powerful calling as second in command notwithstanding.

…et