Lamu Leaders Speak Out: Demanding Accountability for Gachagua's Ethnic Remarks

Leaders in Lamu County have called for accountability against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks they say promote ethnic exclusion, undermine constitutional principles and risk disturbing harmony among communities in the county. The leaders, drawn from elected representatives, women leaders, legal professionals and the Bajuni Council of Elders (BCE) accused Gachagua of portraying Lamu as belonging to a particular ethnic group and as an extension of the Mount Kenya region. Speaking to the press in Mombasa, Nominated Senator Shakila Abdalla said the remarks were dangerous and violated the Constitution, which guarantees equality and rejects ethnic entitlement to leadership or territory. “Kenya is a diverse nation, and no county or leadership position belongs to a single community. Every Kenyan has the right to seek leadership based on merit, values and service,” Shakila said. Former Lamu East MP Mohammad Hashim Salim Mfumwa described the remarks as inflammatory and urged residents, particularly in Mpeketoni, to prioritise peace over political rhetoric. “Security and stability must come first. Any language that risks dividing communities should be rejected,” Mohamed said. Former Lamu mayor Hassan Abdallah Albeity challenged local leaders perceived to be aligned with Gachagua to publicly distance themselves from the remarks, warning that failure to do so could be interpreted as tacit support. Other county leaders warned that claims of ethnic entitlement to elective seats threatened national cohesion, particularly as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election. Shekue Kahale, a county leader, said the remarks were misleading and divisive, and called on national institutions to act firmly against ethnic-based politics. The Bajuni Council of Elders said the statements risked undoing decades of peaceful coexistence among Lamu’s diverse communities, including the Bajuni, Boni, Pokomo, Orma and Giriama. Sultan Ali Omar Shari warned that such remarks could heighten tensions in a county already facing security challenges and historical marginalisation. “When such statements come from a former national leader, they create fear, mistrust and unnecessary divisions,” he said. Women leaders also weighed in, urging residents to reject ethnic mobilisation through democratic processes. Amina Kale said the community would respond at the ballot rather than through confrontation. “We will answer these statements by voting and protecting Lamu’s diversity,” she said. Offering a legal perspective, advocate Yusuf Mahmud Abubakar said the remarks were inconsistent with the Constitution’s preamble and Article 10, which emphasise national unity, inclusivity and the protection of minorities. “Devolution exists to safeguard self-governance and inclusion for communities such as those in Lamu. Any attempt to impose ethnic dominance undermines the constitutional order,” Yusuf said. The leaders urged politicians to exercise restraint and respect the Constitution, warning that ethnic rhetoric could inflame tensions as the 2027 elections approach.