‘I want to ensure we get fair share of the national cake’ – Gachagua defends efforts to unite Mt Kenya
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended his efforts to unite the Mount Kenya region, responding to critics who have accused him of promoting tribalism.
Speaking at the memorial service of Elizabeth Muthoni, daughter of former area MP Anthony Kiai, in Gikondi village, Mukurwe-ini, Gachagua clarified that his unity agenda is not based on tribal lines.
"When we call for unity of this region, it is not against anybody. There are people confusing our unity agenda with tribalism, they get it wrong," Gachagua stated.
He emphasized that the purpose of uniting the region is to ensure that the Mt Kenya area can effectively advocate for its fair share of national resources and maintain its relevance in the country's political landscape.
"Far from it, people want unity of purpose so that we can effectively push for our fair share of the national cake and relevance in the national political discourse. If we are not united, we will not be strong," he explained.
Gachagua also highlighted the grassroots support for the unity agenda, urging leaders who oppose it to pay attention to the sentiments of the local people.
"I'm happy because people at the grassroots are united and in support of our unity agenda. The leaders fighting it and criticising should learn that all politics is local and they should listen to the ground," he added.
The Deputy President made it clear that his primary responsibility is to the people who elected him.
"My bosses are the people who elected me. I am not answerable to anyone else. I am a Kikuyu, and politics is local," Gachagua said.
Gachagua, loyalty to Mt Kenya
This statement follows closely after Gachagua declared that he would continue advocating for the unity of the Mt Kenya region, his home area.
The deputy president emphasized that communities should have the freedom to convene and speak with one voice to promote their political and social interests, ensuring they secure a share of national resources.
“I don’t see why someone should have a problem with the unity of a region because other regions have their own peculiar interest which cannot be discussed on a national level so if we discuss our own issues as a region, why would one try to isolate us because of being unified?” Gachagua questioned.
“I have seen Western Kenya, North Eastern and other regions uniting and discussing their development issues. What's wrong with Mt Kenya doing the same so we should have a bottom-up model of unity from region to the country?”
Gachagua made these remarks at Our Lady of Visitation Timau Catholic Church in Meru County on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
Earlier, on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Limuru, Gachagua acknowledged that Mt Kenya leaders were misguided in their attacks on former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and he has since recognized this as a mistake.
"We were misled, we attacked and shouted down President Uhuru. I requested forgiveness, did you forgive me? Never again will we attack our leader. Do not stab your brother in the back. That is why I personally went live on TV and Radio to seek forgiveness from our son Uhuru Kenyatta for attacking him during the campaigns. We acknowledge our mistake. The bad thing would be to repeat the mistake," Gachagua stated.
These comments came amidst reports of a potential fallout between President William Ruto and his deputy, leading to a verbal spat among their allies. Nonetheless, both leaders have downplayed any differences, insisting that everything is fine. 
For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.
Telegram: https://t.me/peopledailydigital
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va698juDOQIToHyu1p2z
