The Rigathi I know deserves a chance as Kenya’s DP
By PD columnist, July 21, 2022Recent performance indices have ranked Ruguru ward among the best performing wards in Mathira constituency with a tremendous development record. This is attributable to the support given to youth and the unwavering commitment to ensure every child accesses education.
As their representative at the Nyeri County Assembly, I would be unfair not to attribute the achievement to the great leadership of the constituency leader, Rigathi Gachagua. Arguably, all the six ward leaders in Mathira would bear me witness on this.
Since his ascending to power as MP in 2017, Rigathi, now Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate in next month’s presidential contest, has progressively supported education. He often publicly says the commitment is a way of paying back to the community and expression of gratitude to his parents who struggled against odds to give him an education that places him where he is today.
The MP has prioritised provision of education, ensured every child regardless of religious leaning, tribal or family backgrounds has access to the highest level of education possible.
In the many years I worked as a community mobiliser, I have encountered Rigathi as undoubtedly the most people-centred MP—one who is connected to the majority of his constituents. He knows the heartbeat of his people.
I have known him for more than 30 years—first at the University of Nairobi where he was a student leader when I joined Kenyatta University. In fact, I tend to think it is this politics and a leadership experience that landed him his first job as a District Officer and career civil servant immediately after college.
During his elder brother Nderitu Gachagua’s ill health, Rigathi stayed with the people of Ruguru and Mathira all weekends and in his many functions he made me the emcee ostensively to hone my skills as a master of ceremonies, communicator, educationist and mobiliser.
He consequently fronted me for hiring as the County Executive Member for Education between 2016 and 2017. While here, I was able to introduce the Elimu bursary fund for the county and developed a concept of how to disburse the funds.
It is through Rigathi’s support I was nominated to be Samuel Wamathai running mate contesting for governorship of Nyeri and even though we didn’t win, he supported me again for my bid as Ruguru MCA. Rigathi has supported me immensely and I see him more than a brother. He is my mentor and role model.
He is a result-oriented leader who doesn’t take excuses for non-performance and always leads by example. No one comes between him and the people he serves. He is a blessed family man with admirable pride of a family leader—whenever he is at the constituency, he often finishes his speeches with a mention of his sons and giving his wife a chance to speak to the people.
Rigathi has been one of the greatest leaders and sons of Nyeri. Therefore, he is rightfully a king pin for the Central region and I have no doubt he competes quite well nationally and works hard to deliver for his subjects.
It is the prayer of the people of Nyeri that the Hustler nation will carry the day come August 9 and give Rigathi a chance to prove to Kenyans what he is capable of doing as the second in command.
— The writer is the MCA for Ruguru ward, Mathira Constituency