Riggy G: Gachagua Taking Uhuru's Place As Kenya's King Of Memes

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has already established himself as Uhuru's successor in the production of

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Sep 14, 2022 - 09:37
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Riggy G: Gachagua Taking Uhuru's Place As Kenya's King Of Memes
Rigathi Gachagua taking his oath as Deputy President on September 13, 2022. /WILLIAM RUTO

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta did not just hand over the instruments of power to President William Ruto on Tuesday, September 13, he also handed over the undisputed title of King of Memes, but not to Ruto.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has already established himself as Uhuru's successor in the production of funny jokes, comments and videos by Kenyans surrounding him, among a whole collection that many would believe keeps the country happy in the midst of many trials and tribulations.

The former Mathira Member of Parliament (MP) kickstarted his new role in the middle of taking his Solemn Affirmation of due execution of office for the Deputy President when he slipped nervously in the crucial moment in front of Chief Registrar of Judiciary Ann Amadi, who cut him short and asked him to repeat the oath.

“May I request that you take it again, please? I am sorry let’s take it again,” Ms Amadi told Gachagua with a smile on her face.

Gachagua recollected himself and repeated the oath, this time ensuring that he did not miss a word.

“I do swear that I will always truly and diligently serve the people and the Republic of Kenya in the Office of the Deputy President that I will diligently discharge my duties and perform my functions in the said office to the best of my judgement,” Gachagua said as he took the oath of office.

He continued, “I will at all times when so required faithfully and truly give my counsel and advice to the President. I will do justice to all without fear, favour, affection and ill-will.”

Gachagua took the oath alongside his wife Dorcas Rigathi before he proceeded to sign the oath certificate of allegiance of office of the Deputy President and that of the execution of his mandate. Meanwhile, the blooper was caught quickly by Kenyans on social media who responded with memes that made him a trend for the whole day.

“Mr Gachagua almost swore himself. Mr Riggy G will surely give us top-tier content.” Comedian Eddie Butita reacted.

"If Riggy G doesn't make you happy then you're the problem," another user weighed in. Gachagua then followed with his fiery inaugural speech where a majority of it was spent criticising Uhuru's administration for leaving the office when the economy was weakened.

"The truth of the matter is that we have inherited a dilapidated economy which almost facing shut down. We have a huge task to liberate this country and bring it back to where Kibaki left it.

"We have talked to the treasury, and the coffers are empty. We will have to start from scratch," he said, with his bold comments making him trend even more.

Gachagua was also in the crosshairs of Kenyans On Twitter (KOT) over his poor dress code and weight, something he did admit to having because he did not have time to buy clothes during the campaign period. From ill-fitting suits to oversized jackets, roomy single coats that are always larger than normal, and floppy trousers, anything Gachagua wore was subject to content for Kenya's fashion critics.

However, in his new role as the country's second in command, he announced that he will take steps to improve his lifestyle.

“Going forward I will be back in this 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 dressing. I was caring about my life, I was in danger and had to look over my shoulder to make sure that I live to take care of my family.” Gachugua told journalists at his Karen home ahead of the swearing-in.

“I am in pretty bad shape. In another three months, I will be in very good shape and people will love it.”

Uhuru's 10-year term was characterised by the nickname 'Jayden' and memes that targeted his dressing, public speeches, to body language.

But KOT's main highlight was when he announced that he quit Twitter in March 2019 stating that he couldn't keep up with the trolls.

Watch the video:

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