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Meru County people living with disabilities (PWD) have hit on the former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of disrespecting and intimidating the government.

Led by the region PWD Patron Mike Makarina, the team called on Gachagua to respect President William Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki in a move to pave the way for unity and peace as we begin the new year. 

Speaking in Meru on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Makarina claimed that ex-DP is busy disrupting President Ruto’s government for his own political interest, which he said are not beneficial to Kenyans.

He further asked him to desist from subtle, unfounded, and malicious attacks and instead support the government development agenda to help the country address challenging economic and social crises.

“Kenya is facing myriads of challenges, including a high cost of living; hence the president needs to be given time and support from all quarters to be able to find solutions and bring changes to the country,” Makarina said.

Accept reality

The group at the same time advised Gachagua to accept reality and shun divisive politics, adding that the Mt. Kenya region is solidly behind the government.

“There is no need of being selfish because we all belong to one country called Kenya. It is high time that leaders should stop being greedy because when they fail to succeed, they want to criticize everything and intimidate the government even by using violence. This is unwarranted and unlawful,” the patron added.

The Meru County PWD executive committee accused Gachagua of failing to execute his official duties and instead focused on ethnic politics that led to his impeachment.

He blamed him for losing the opportunity to Kindiki, who he said is equal to the task after achieving remarkable changes and transformation in the interior docket.

“We have a lot of hope with Kindiki, and it’s just a matter of time before this country will make a lot of economic transformation because we are sure that he is the game changer, and he will support the president to achieve the development agenda,” he added.

Calling on Gachagua to also stop dividing the region through public sympathy stunts, Makarina said the recent public meeting Nyandarua tear gas attack on Gachagua was stage-managed. 

“Let us all participate in nation building. There is no need of using violence to bring ethnic sympathy and division; we need unity in this new year,” Makarina noted.

The PWD leaders also lauded President Ruto for bringing in an inclusive government for not only bringing solidarity but also promoting national unity.

They added the latest changes to pick cabinet names allied to former president Uhuru Kenyatta after the Ichaweri Meeting, which is a true demonstration of a broad-based approach in bringing unity and potential leadership in tackling challenges Kenyans are facing. 

The President said he met with Uhuru to find common ground for future collaboration. Putting it into context, the same approach he used on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“It is the reason why I am working with the former Prime Minister. It is the reason why I have reached out to the former president. It is the reason why I will reach out to other leaders so that we can fashion a country,” Ruto said.

Following the meeting, some pundits argued that the Ruto-Uhuru reunion would complicate political calculations for Gachagua.

However, the former DP has been moving to consolidate his Mt. Kenya support ahead of the 2027 General Election.