Mogotio Member of Parliament Reuben Kiborek has come under intense public scrutiny after making controversial remarks directed at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a political gathering.
In a widely circulated video, Kiborek is heard urging Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to arrest him alongside Gachagua and lock them in the same police cell. He then says that when Gachagua is released, he would be “singing Tutam.”
The statement has generated heated debate online, with critics arguing that its wording carries sexual overtones and goes beyond ordinary political rhetoric.
What Kiborek said
According to the video circulating on social media, Kiborek challenged the police chief to detain both him and Gachagua together.
While the MP appeared to frame the comments as political bravado, many Kenyans have interpreted the “Tutam” remark as inappropriate and unbecoming of an elected leader.
Neither Kiborek nor the National Police Service had issued an official statement addressing the backlash at the time of publication.
Why the remarks are attracting attention
The controversy has been amplified by Kiborek’s past legal history.
In December 2018, the then parliamentary aspirant was charged with defilement under Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(4) of the Sexual Offences Act over allegations involving a 16-year-old girl. The allegations were reported by Kenyan media, and court proceedings experienced several adjournments in subsequent years.
It is important to distinguish between being charged and being convicted. A criminal charge is an allegation that must be determined by a court, and public discussion should not treat it as proof of guilt.
Political rhetoric or unacceptable language?
Kenyan politics is no stranger to fiery exchanges, with leaders frequently attacking each other’s policies, alliances and leadership records.
However, legal and governance observers have long warned against the normalization of language that appears to invoke sexual violence or humiliation as a political weapon. Critics argue that elected leaders have a responsibility to maintain respectful public discourse, regardless of political differences.
Supporters of Kiborek, meanwhile, have defended the remarks as a metaphorical political jab rather than a literal threat.
Gachagua has previously raised security concerns
The remarks also come against the backdrop of Gachagua’s repeated claims that his safety is under threat.
In 2025, the former Deputy President publicly wrote to Inspector General Douglas Kanja alleging threats to his life and requesting police intervention. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) responded by urging him to formally report any incidents for investigation through the appropriate legal channels.
That history has made statements directed at Gachagua more sensitive than routine political banter.
Growing concern over political discourse
The latest incident has reignited conversations about the tone of Kenya’s political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election. Civil society groups and governance advocates have consistently called on political leaders to avoid rhetoric that could be interpreted as threatening, inflammatory or degrading.
As debate continues online, the Kiborek-Gachagua exchange highlights the broader challenge of balancing robust political criticism with responsible public communication.
FAQs
What did Reuben Kiborek say about Rigathi Gachagua? He urged Inspector General Douglas Kanja to arrest him alongside Gachagua and said Gachagua would leave custody “singing Tutam.”
Why are the remarks controversial? Critics say the wording carries sexual overtones and crosses the line from political criticism into inappropriate rhetoric.
Was Reuben Kiborek convicted in the 2018 case? Publicly available reports show he was charged in 2018. A criminal charge is an allegation and should not be treated as a conviction unless determined by a court.