Exit Riggy G, Enter Abra K: The evolution of Ruto's deputies...and their nicknames

After a tumultuous impeachment run, characterised by lawsuits, innuendo, politicised attacks and pleadings, Rigathi Gachagua, also known as Riggy G, has been officially booted from office - and a new sheriff is in town.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, President William Ruto gathered his men and women at the KICC for the televised inauguration of Prof. Kithure Kindiki as Kenya's new Deputy President.

The pompous ceremony saw the President preside over Kindiki's installation, just a day after the courts ruled in his favor, setting the stage for the ordination of his preferred Deputy - and doing the final machete twist on the back of his former deputy-turned-foe Rigathi Gachagua.

As millions of Kenyans followed from their TV screens, Ruto sought to throw around a new nickname on his new Deputy.

Seeing that no one had yet coined a sticking nickname on Kindiki, Ruto plastered the name 'Abra K' on him, using it so liberally, it had no choice but to dominate the internet's top trending topics.

Dressed immaculately in a dark blue suit and a red tie - which unsurprisingly matched his boss' - Kindiki cut a contrived figure, flashing minimal smiles and appearing every inch a man on a mission, albeit a heavy one.

A sworn Ruto ally, and his trusted lawyer at The Hague, there was no doubt that Kindiki would ultimately occupy the office he has just ascended to, even after narrowly missing out on the opportunity in the months leading up to the General Election.

According to various political insiders, Gachagua had bagged the DP position due to his growing influence around the Mt. Kenya region, his antagonism towards President Uhuru Kenyatta, and his rumored deep pockets.

But Ruto, always the machiavellian political kahuna, would soon have his way as he feigned smiles and handshakes with someone he knew he would soon topple - and install the man after his own heart.

Unlike with Riggy G, a name bestowed upon the former deputy by a random X user, who went on to find not just fame but fortune, 'Abra K' is the sole creation of the President, a name he must hope Kenyans will embrace - and a name he must believe paints his new deputy favorably and also endears him to Kenya's youthful populace.

Already, Kenyans have started reacting to the Ruto-imposed nickname - some have found it rather interesting but many have dubbed it absurd, uninspiring and plain bland.

"Abra K has to be the worst nickname of all nicknames. Like, how did they even arrive at that? What happened to creativity?" Someone asked.

Nickname or not, one thing is for sure, there's a new Sheriff in town and if history is any teacher, he doesn't look like he will be on his way out anytime soon.

Hio Abra K haingii. pic.twitter.com/dhty8WenCG

Sasa what is Abra K? pic.twitter.com/8VlcCaPf0B

Hao wanadhani Abra K ni jina fiti pic.twitter.com/fcns1CTjYl

Abra K will go down as the worst nickname ever in the history of mankind— Muratha (@its_muratha) November 1, 2024