Gachagua Champions Mount Kenya Unity Drive
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has affirmed that his call for regional unity was sincere, believing it would lead to national unity and development throughout the country.
Contrary to accusations from some leaders that his unity call among Mt Kenya leaders was tribal, Mr. Gachagua emphasized that he wanted Kenyans to speak with one voice from the regions, which would benefit the nation as a whole.
During his Madaraka Day address, President William Ruto urged leaders to avoid regional politics and to unite, ensuring that his administration would deliver development equally across the country regardless of the 2022 general election results.
Speaking on Sunday, June 2 at the Lady of Visitation Catholic Church in Timau, Buuri constituency in Meru County, the DP explained his call for regional unity, emphasizing that his goal was to first unite each region, leading to national unity.
“When we call for regional unity, it’s not to unite against anyone or for any other reason. Unity fosters development by allowing us to push our agenda. Unity in the region is crucial, and isolating us from being united is counterproductive. Why isolate us for unity? Is unity a bad thing? We shouldn’t approach another election divided,” Mr. Gachagua said.
He mentioned that when leaders in Kericho, Kiambu, and Meru counties conflicted with their governors, he intervened to broker peace, although Meru County remains unstable with ongoing battles between Governor Kawira Mwangaza and MCAs.
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The DP highlighted that unity in western Kenya allowed leaders to secure over Sh100 billion in waivers for the sugar sector, and leaders from northern Kenya are negotiating for their region’s interests with a unified voice.
“Regions have unique interests that are best discussed collectively and then taken to the national level for negotiation,” he added.
Mr. Gachagua stressed that it is in everyone’s interest for all leaders to work together to achieve development. He cited solving problems in Nakuru and emphasized that regional unity facilitates partnerships and negotiations. “I am a peacemaker, and under President William Ruto, we are united,” he said.
Reflecting on the election, Mr. Gachagua admitted he was bitter after being wronged, but with prayers and support from his wife, Dorcas, he has forgiven those who wronged him. He urged leaders to avoid backstabbing and embrace forgiveness.
Mr. Gachagua called for reconciliation between Governor Mwangaza and MCAs, stressing that cooperation among elected leaders is essential for meaningful development.
He was accompanied by several leaders, including Ms. Mwangaza, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, and others, as well as Meru MCAs led by Majority Leader Patrick Mutuma and Timau MCA Martin Muriungi.
Speaking on Saturday night in Nanyuki, Mr. Gachagua urged Mount Kenya leaders to identify and expose local leaders being influenced by external forces to undermine his unity efforts in central Kenya.
He accused a few traitors of being guns for hire, noting that such characters have existed since the Mau Mau war, collaborating with colonial masters for personal gain instead of sacrificing for the community.
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Mr. Gachagua reiterated his push for more resources through the one-man-one-vote-one-shilling formula and criticized Mount Kenya leaders opposing this as working against unity.
“When they visit rural areas, let them explain their stance on the one-man-one-vote-one-shilling formula and their support for unity. Those who don’t support or accompany me in promoting unity should be voted out,” he said.
Accompanied by over a dozen MPs from Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Murang’a, Nyeri, Laikipia, and Meru counties, the DP vowed not to abandon his agenda of uniting the mountain to enhance the region’s political influence.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, who has disagreed with the DP’s approach to uniting the region, was notably absent from the evening event at Old House Restaurant.
Gachagua Champions Mount Kenya Unity Drive