Aasai

Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has broken her silence over accusations that she dominates her husband, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following controversial remarks made by National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah. While speaking to a gathering of Kenyan clergy in the United States on Wednesday, July 23, Pastor Dorcas firmly dismissed the claims as unfounded, disrespectful, and politically motivated.

In a passionate and humorous defense of her marriage, Pastor Dorcas noted that critics had intentionally misrepresented her public appearances and role beside her husband. She argued that her frequent speeches and presence during state functions were often misconstrued as signs of dominance over Gachagua, when in reality, they reflect mutual respect and shared purpose. “Sometimes when he lets me speak first, it’s not because I ‘sit on him’,” she said. “How can you sit on a man like this, who is causing the whole nation not to sleep?” she added, prompting loud applause from the audience.

Pastor Dorcas clarified that she and Gachagua operate as a united team, driven by shared values such as faith, family, and service to the people. She emphasized that their close working relationship stems from a deep bond built on love, cooperation, and the desire to promote national healing through spiritual and social advocacy. “We are one unit. There’s nothing wrong with that. We move together and stand for the same ideals,” she stated.

Without directly naming Ichung’wah, Pastor Dorcas accused political actors of spreading lies and distorting facts to score political points. She challenged the credibility of those making such remarks, questioning their motives and character. “I keep hearing them say ‘Wamunyoro’. Is that the kind of man you think your claims could apply to? You are such liars,” she said, using Gachagua’s nickname to dismiss the suggestion that he was being controlled.

The controversy stems from a recent speech by Ichung’wah in which he appeared to insinuate that Gachagua was being unduly influenced by his wife. His remarks triggered immediate backlash, particularly from women allied with the former Deputy President. Over the weekend, members of the DCP Women’s League held a press conference condemning Ichung’wah’s statements, describing them as targeted attacks on women and a dangerous attempt to undermine the dignity of female leaders.

One of Gachagua’s closest political allies, Njeri Kahiga, came out strongly in support of Pastor Dorcas, describing her as a national figure who has dedicated herself to uplifting marginalized communities. “This is a woman who has done tremendous work for the boychild, widows, orphans, and the mentally ill. To disrespect her based on her role as a supportive spouse is reckless and dishonourable,” Kahiga said.

The women’s league called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to probe Ichung’wah’s comments, arguing that they were defamatory and meant to incite gender-based ridicule. They also urged him to issue a public apology to both Pastor Dorcas and Kenyan women in general.

As of Monday evening, Ichung’wah had not publicly responded to the criticism or retracted his statements, even as pressure continued to mount. The incident has since sparked a broader debate on gender roles in political partnerships, the portrayal of women in leadership, and the ethical boundaries of political discourse.

Pastor Dorcas’s response has been widely praised by supporters who see her as a powerful voice for morality, faith, and community service. Her remarks have also renewed calls for more respectful engagement between political leaders, especially when speaking on personal and family matters in the public domain.