Former Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina has taken a swipe at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warning that political success cannot be built on suspicion, bitterness, and constant confrontation.
According to Maina, a leader cannot win the trust of the people while treating everyone as a suspect or adversary. She argued that effective leadership requires openness, tolerance, and the ability to build bridges across political and social divides, rather than fueling hostility.
Maina noted that politics is fundamentally about numbers and alliances, stressing that alienating allies and potential supporters weakens any political agenda. In her view, bitterness in leadership not only isolates a politician but also undermines their credibility and ability to mobilize support.
Her remarks come at a time when divisions within the political landscape have become more pronounced, with public disagreements among senior leaders playing out openly. Maina cautioned that such approaches risk distracting the government from its core mandate of service delivery and economic recovery.
She urged leaders to embrace humility, dialogue, and unity, emphasizing that respect for differing opinions is key to building sustainable political movements. According to Maina, leaders who approach politics with suspicion and anger often struggle to inspire confidence among the electorate.
Maina’s comments have since triggered reactions online, with many Kenyans echoing her call for inclusive leadership, while others view the remarks as part of the ongoing power struggles shaping the country’s political future.
