At least 48 MPs from the Mt Kenya region have rejected the leadership of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and instead endorsed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the new link between the region and the Presidency.
The MPs, who spoke in Nyahururu town, claim that Gachagua has been perpetuating politics on unity to support individual and personal ambition rather than the articulation, pursuit and lobbying of the interests of Mt Kenya constituents.
“Our efforts to consolidate the developmental needs of the people we represent and canvass for their realization has been frustrated by the lack of a focal point of reference around whom we can channel the interests and priorities of our people to the Government for actualization. Instead, the Mt Kenya Region has suffered high-octane politics around fathom unity to support individual and personal ambition rather than the articulation, pursuit and lobbying of the interests of our constituents,” the statement read in part.
“Our attempts to call the region to the orderly prioritization of the developmental needs of the people has been frustrated by condescending threats of dire political consequences unless we support certain personal interests and ambitions.”
The legislators have tasked Kindiki with advocating for Mt Kenya’s agenda in food and cash crops sectors including coffee, tea, potatoes, and macadamia, better prices for milk and poultry products, reduction of the cost of animal feeds, and advancement of business, commercial and enterprise interests and other outstanding manifesto commitments.
“Given the prevailing state of affairs and the urgency of the mission ahead, there is need to have a link that will create a nexus between us and the National Executive on matters development. Accordingly, we, as the elected leaders from this region and its Diaspora on our own behalf and that of our people, unanimously resolve that our link to the National Government be the Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and National Administration Prof. Kithure Kindiki, whose responsibilities includes the coordination of National Government functions across Country,” the legislators declared.
The legislators have also vowed to champion a favourable division of revenue regime that provides for a formula that benefits the people they represent.
“The people we represent expect us to spearhead better prices for their tea and coffee. We are behind schedule in the enactment of legislative reforms critical to the revitalization of key economic sectors relevant to our constituents. There are also a number of road, water and electricity projects which stalled years ago that require priority funding for completion,” the statement added.
Mt Kenya MPs against Gachagua
Among the MPs who made the declaration include Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Wachira Karani (Laikipia West), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia), Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), John Kaguchia (Mukurweini), Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri Town), Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu), Wahome Wamatinga (Senator, Nyeri), George Gachagua (Ndaragwa), Micheal Muchira (Oljororok), Faith Gitau (Nyandarua), Joseph Gitari (Kirinyaga Central), Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), John Kiragu (Limuru), Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete), John Wanjiku (Kiambaa), Ann Muratha (Kiambu), Njoroge Kururia (Gatundu North) and Gabriel Kagombe (Gatundu South).
Others include Simon King’ara (Ruiru), Machua Waithaka (Kiambu Town), Betty Maina (Murang’a), Edwin Mugo (Mathioya), Kimani Kuria (Molo), Samuel Gachobe (Subukia), Irene Njoki (Bahati), Charity Kathambi (Njoro), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Augustine Mwafrika (Roysambu), Stanley Muthama (Lamu West), Joseph Githuku (Senator, Lamu), Karen Nyamu (Nominated Senator) and Michael Wambugu (Othaya).
Among the MPs who missed the meeting, but reported to be in concurrence, include Martha Wangari (Gilgil), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop), David Kiaraho (Olkalou), Muthoni Marubu (Lamu), George Kariuki (Ndia), Mary Maingi (Mwea), Robert Gichimu (Gichugu), Rahab Mukami (Nyeri County), Ronald Karauri (Kasarani), Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), Joseph Iraya (Nominated MP) and Antony Wainaina (Kieni).
Mt Kenya East
This comes days after leaders from the Mt Kenya East region endorsed Kindiki as their official spokesperson and the primary link between the region and the national executive.
In a joint statement read by Mbeere North Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku on September 9, 2024, the leaders highlighted the desire of Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties to work collectively for socioeconomic development.
The leaders from these counties emphasized the importance of prioritizing development projects that have stalled from the previous administration, such as road infrastructure and water projects, and called on the government to complete these initiatives.
Gachagua being pushed out?
Gachagua, who has positioned himself as the political kingpin for the Mt Kenya region could be toppled from the imaginary position, which could spell a threat to the Deputy Presidential seat he holds now.
Ahead of the 2022 General Elections, Gachagua battled for the running mate position with Kindiki, only winning it in the last minutes.
The new political dispensation means Gachagua could lose his seat come 2027 if President William Ruto fails to appoint him as his running mate.
In his recent visit to the Mt Kenya region, Gachagua warned the residents and politicians against “disrespecting their leader”.
Speaking in Mikumbune, Gachagua accused the residents and political leaders of disrespecting their leaders, unlike other communities.
“Please be like other communities. I have never heard people of Luo insulting Raila, not a single one. I haven’t heard even one Kalenjin insulting William Ruto and I haven’t heard even one Kamba insulting Kalonzo,” Gachagua said.
“Don’t allow anybody to divide you along county lines. Our strength is our unity.”
