About 11 lawmakers from Meru county yesterday told off ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks that President William Ruto should not step foot in Meru should Chief Justice Martha Koome be removed from office.

The MPs told Gachagua to stop interfering with Meru politics by presenting himself as their spokesperson as they are ready to deal their own issues.

Led by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri and Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi, the lawmakers said they are capable of defending Koome without the help of anyone.

The MPs claimed that the move by Gachagua to defend Koome is because he wants a favourable ruling in his impeachment motion case that is pending in court.

Said Mwirigi: “It has come to our attention that the impeached Deputy President has taken it upon himself to speak on behalf of Meru leadership. We categorically state that he does not represent us, nor does he have the mandate to speak on issues affecting our county. The people of Meru elected their leaders through a democratic process, and it is those leaders who remain accountable to them.”

He added: “Any engagements or discussions regarding the affairs of Meru must be conducted through the right channels—by elected and legitimate leaders who have the full confidence of the people. We caution against any attempts to misrepresent or undermine the collective leadership of our county. Our focus remains on delivering development, uniting our people, and ensuring progress for all.”

Church service

Their sentiments came hardly two days after Gachagua while attending a church service in Meru warned that Ruto should not set foot in Meru if Koome is ousted before her term ends.

Gachagua said he will lead demonstrations against the government in Meru in case the chief justice is removed from office prematurely.

“These Meru people have been taken for granted for too long. It must come to an end. Rais amepanga kufukuza Chief Justice Martha Koome. Ameanza na Rigathi Gachagua, amemfukuza. Akarudi akafukuza Mithika Linturi. Sasa amepanga njama ya kumfukuza Martha Koome. Amepanga pale kortini, anahonga watu kufukuza Koome,” Gachagua said.

But in Parliament, while addressing a news conference, the MPs said that all leaders in Meru county are united and have agreed not to allow Gachagua to meddle with their politics.

In particular, Rindikiri said that Meru need to be respected and thus told Gachagua to stop making derogatory remarks that can incite the residents.

He said: “Gachagua is one person who is very dishonest and triblist. And we will prove this in no time. Martha Koome will not be used by Gachagua for political gain, Maratha Koome is a lawyer, she has risen through the ranks. “

Community leaders

He added: “The Supreme Court is a constitutional office. We are here to say this, Martha Koome comes from our community and we will speak for her because she is a professional and from our community. We believe that Martha Koome will continue to serve but we don’t need Gachagua. Gachagua you were given opportunity to serve this country but you impeached yourselves.”

Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima labelled Gachagua as a tribalist and a dishonest person who should not be taken seriously by anyone.”

He insisted that urgent action need to be taken to tame him from inciting Kenyans as he has been doing

According to him the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) should intervene by summoning and questioning Gachagua over his remarks.

He said: “Gachagua is not an honest character, some of us have were very close and we know him. For him to come through the back door and start insulting us is not right. Whatever he said amounts to incitement.”

And added: “I am calling upon the cohesion committee to look at the matter and see if action can be taken against him. If Gachagua is left free and continue inciting people, I am telling you he will be the cause of chaos in Mount Kenya.”