By Anderson Ojwang
In a study of political chameleons, Taylor Carlson and Jaime Settle, an assistant professor of government at William and Mary, found that individuals do not always express their private political opinions and may conform to different ideals in front of others who disagree.
Their work, titled “Political Chameleons: An Exploration of Conformity in Political Discussions,” was published in the journal Political Behavior in the spring of 2016.
“The idea behind it is that just as chameleons can change the color of their skin to blend in with their surroundings, individuals can change the political views they share with others to blend in with the group,” said Carlson.
“In a way, political conformity might serve as a sort of camouflage for navigating political disagreement in social settings. However, the way we think about conformity, individuals still go back to their true political views when they’re alone or with others who agree or are otherwise comfortable expressing their true opinions.”
In the study and analysis of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, he displays qualities and characteristics aptly captured in the study above and could be assumed to be Kenya’s political chameleon.
Tracing Gachagua’s speeches, public statements, pronouncements, outbursts and actions shows strong similarity with the traits captured in the study on political chameleons.
Gachagua in Government
For the two years in office, Gachagua tormented and humiliated those who criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration and was opposed to any form of demonstration in the country.
“This region — nobody will be allowed to come to destroy property. We, from Mt Kenya, have never known the stupidity of killing people and destroying property. It has never happened in this region.
The people of Mt Kenya are progressive business persons and farmers; they do not know about wealth destruction but wealth creation and protection.
Let me say now, let’s see how it will unfold. No responsible government will allow such hooliganism witnessed in Nairobi.
You said demonstrations are your right. Is destruction of property a right? What right are you fighting for?” he said then.
Gachagua out of Government
Gachagua has claimed the government was using goons to intimidate the opposition.
His statement came amid growing political tensions following the nationwide protests on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during which violent confrontations between demonstrators and police left several people dead and property destroyed.
“What we saw on Wednesday is not just any protest; it was a targeted war against our people. Shops looted at night were marked in green, and all were owned by Mt Kenya people — and under police supervision.
The people who did this are not from Kikuyu, but they had been ferried from other areas to cause chaos.
How can someone without a gun burn a police station and leave unharmed while armed police watch? These are false narratives to harass our children and leaders,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua on Raila’s Presidency
“That is why we told Uhuru Kenyatta to his face. We cannot elect that person. We know him; he is the lord of violence and impunity in the Republic of Kenya.
I told Uhuru Kenyatta this man is the problem of this country. I am going to call a meeting for the leaders of Mt Kenya region on how to deal with these characters now,” he said then.
After Impeachment
Gachagua said that he had been mandated by Mt Kenya people to look for a political formation that would bring power to the people.
“I was looking at it with a few strategists from the region; Raila’s numbers are more exciting. Because Raila already has 6.8 million votes. We only beat him by about 200,000 votes. If we agree to support him — with his 6.8 and our 6 million votes — if you look at his voting pattern, he normally votes between 10:00 am and 11:00 am. If we agree to support him, before he votes, he will be the president. That you can take to the bank,” he said in a recent interview.
Gachagua to President Ruto
At the burial of his elder brother he said:
“On behalf of my family, you have been there for us. Anytime, in tears as a family, you have always given us a handkerchief. The truth be said from our relationship, you have become our family. We don’t take it for granted.
Last time you came for our mother’s burial. We told you, Gachagua family, we are honest people, we are people of integrity, we value friendship. If any other Kenyans will betray you, I can tell you, it will not come from this family. We don’t know betrayal. That is why we made a conscious decision to stand with you against all odds and pressure.”
Gachagua on Ruto after Impeachment
“We used to talk every day during campaigns. After assuming office, we could go for weeks without a word,” he revealed. “The friendship and camaraderie were gone. What remained was only the official relationship of President and Deputy President,” he said.
Mbeere North By-election
Before the by-election
The DCP candidate, after an opinion poll, stepped down in favor of DP Newton Karish, who was the favorite.
He wrote on his X handle:
“Towards our victory in Mbeere North elections. I have held an in-depth consultation with our opposition candidate Newton Karish, the DP Party leader JB Muturi.
Mbeere North is strong and inspiring! They stand at the intersection of our nation’s liberation. November 27th, 2025 is the date of drawing Kenya’s political, economic and social liberation tangent. I am happy today and the days I have been with the people of Mbeere North from 16th November 2025 to today’s Ishiara.”
After the by-election
“I went to help DP. They won, but it was stolen. That is okay; we focus on our party DCP, and in Nairobi, we want DCP to be popular. Do not be worried about Mbeere North. DCP did not have a candidate in Mbeere North,” he said.
Mt Kenya’s Politics and United Opposition
He declared that his party DCP was the only political party in Mt Kenya region and that it is what the region will use to seek alliances with other political outfits and leaders.
“Now we have our party DCP. You know our party. That is the party for this region.
We will use this party to seek alliances from other regions. The bedrock of DCP is Mt Kenya. We must have a strong party with over 150 MPs to protect our interests in Parliament,” he said.
Gachagua on President Uhuru and Jubilee Party
“Sometimes Ruto even says he is working with Uhuru. There are also Jubilee MPs aligned with Ruto, so I honestly don’t fully understand whether Jubilee is in government or with us. But I’m not bothered; we will defeat all of them,” he said.
Gachagua on President Uhuru Kenyatta as His Boss
“I worked for President Uhuru Kenyatta from 2001 to 2006 as his personal assistant in charge of politics and mobilization, and we had a very good time,” Gachagua said.
“We worked very well. He was a good boss to work for — self-driven, hardworking, and a good listener — and we worked hard, and it paid off.”
After Impeachment
“William Ruto is a master in driving narrative. He told us former President Uhuru Kenyatta was a drunkard and had failed to run the government.
I am among the people he persuaded. He is very persuasive when he gets onto a narrative. He drove a narrative against Uhuru Kenyatta and recruited all of us — I included.
I was among the leaders who believed what he told us: that Uhuru Kenyatta is a drunkard, a useless leader, he has messed this country, cannot be trusted to organize a succession, and we should despise and hate him,” he said.
