Gachagua: We Were Wrong to Criticize Our King, Uhuru

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has acknowledged the error of his ways in criticizing former President Uhuru Kenyatta whom he now refers to as the "king" of the Mt Kenya region.

In a shift from his previous stance, Mr Gachagua has expressed remorse for his past actions and those of the Mt Kenya community in vilifying Mr Kenyatta. He has committed to fostering unity and love within the community, ensuring that they receive their rightful share of Kenya's resources. During a recent gathering, the Deputy President addressed the issue head-on, stating that he and the Mt Kenya community had wrongfully disparaged Mr Kenyatta in the past. He emphasized the importance of teaching the youth to refrain from being used to speak ill of their leader and has pledged to never again engage in such behaviour.

This reconciliatory tone marks a notable departure from Mr. Gachagua's earlier position where he had spearheaded a campaign against the former President and his family. The deputy president has accused certain individuals of betraying the community. Earlier this month, a meeting organized by pro-Kenyatta allies endorsed the former president as the leader of a new coalition aimed at safeguarding and championing the interests of the people of Mt. Kenya. In a recent event in Nyandarua, a faction of UDA-elected leaders demanded disciplinary action against specific politicians, accusing them of disrespecting the Deputy President.

The Kinangop MP laments the disrespect shown by Mt Kenya leaders towards the Deputy President, urging them to recognize his efforts to bring unity to the region. He stresses the importance of avoiding political attacks and instead focusing on the Deputy President's unifying initiatives. The Deputy President has been urged to convene a meeting with all Central Kenya leaders to discuss ways to promote unity. The President's silence on attacks against the Deputy President may be interpreted as tacit approval of the actions taken by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and others.

Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei calls on those disrespecting the Deputy President to cease their actions, warning that the UDA party should take disciplinary measures against those sowing division. He emphasizes that the President and his Deputy cannot be separated. Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo defends Mr. Gachagua stressing that any disrespect towards him is unacceptable. He states that the Deputy President is a symbol of national unity and must be accorded the respect he deserves, as he was elected in the same manner as the President. Kajiado South MP Samuel Parashina links the disrespect towards Mr. Gachagua with disrespect towards the Central Kenya and Maasai communities.

He praises the Deputy President's efforts in addressing the issue of alcohol consumption and supports the principle of one person, one vote, one shilling.