Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has now pointed an accusing finger at those opposed to his Mt Kenya unity talk for using WhatsApp groups to push their agenda.

Speaking in Kajiado County on Saturday, August 24, 2024, the Second in Command noted that the leaders were conniving in various WhatsApp group forums to sabotage his push for Mt Kenya unity.

However, Gachagua accused the said leaders of double-speak insisting that they have failed to come out boldly and oppose his push for Mt Kenya unity in other mass gatherings.

Gachagua reprimanded them for hiding behind WhatsApp groups which do not reflect the real perception on the ground which he reiterated is a self-deception move.

“I have tried to unite our people, but there are a few leaders who are against it. They are talking but none of them as come out to oppose me in public gatherings.

“They talk on WhatsApp groups which they know is safe but at funerals, political gatherings and even churches, they are supporting my push for Mt Kenya unity,” Gachagua stated.

Defends his Push

Gachagua told the leaders present that it will be impossible for him to push for national unity yet his backyard is in disarray. The Second in Command, further stated that he foresaw the need to call for national unity even before President William Ruto decided to form the broad-based government.

He thus challenged the communities in Kajiado to unite and join President Ruto in advocating for inclusivity.

“We have united our people and I would like to ask you to unite as a community and come and join the others so that we have one strong nation. Let me warn you, do not insult your leaders,” Gachagua emphasised.

Proud villager

His sentiments come months after he was called a villager by some of his political opponents. The DP, who has come under immense pressure over remarks that he is allegedly advancing tribal, said every Kenyan should be proud of his mother tongue.

“Everybody should be proud of your origin and identity, nobody should ever make you feel embarrassed about your origin and identity,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua’s statement was seen as a direct reply to his critics who had questioned his brand of politics which they argue is Mount Kenya-centric despite him holding a national office.

The DP warned his opponents and critics not to chastise others just because they are either talking in their first language or are addressing their tribespeople.

“Let us not pretend that we are what we are not and nobody should ever get embarrassed about your origin, your identity and your language.”