DP Rigathi Gachagua Recognizes President Uhuru Kenyatta's Influence in Mt Kenya

On Saturday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua conveyed his desire to speak with former President Uhuru Kenyatta to affirm Kenyatta's continued leadership and his respectful standing in their community.

Gachagua's home county of Nyeri recently received a visit from the former President which constituted his first appearance in the area since leaving office. Kenyatta travelled there to attend the funeral of Assistant Inspector General of Police King'ori Mwangi in the Tetu constituency. Despite not being able to attend the burial on time, Gachagua acknowledged Kenyatta's ongoing influence in the area and regarded him as a peer from the Mt Kenya region.

"I was looking forward to meeting my friend, former boss, and my elder brother, President Uhuru Kenyatta," Gachagua said. "I wanted to come and greet him because I have not seen him for a while and tell him it is well."

Gachagua conveyed his wish to meet Kenyatta and assured him that their previous conflict had been resolved. The DP stated that President Ruto deserves love and support, lamenting that the Mt Kenya region should stop criticizing the Head of State. Mr Gachagua expressed his commitment to uniting the region by assembling leaders from various political affiliations and that his objective is to promote solidarity within the community. He emphasized his determination to prevent any division among them. At the gathering, the ex-president was joined by prominent figures such as former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, former Gender Cabinet Secretary Rachel Shebesh, former Nyeri deputy governor Caroline Karuku, and former Nairobi governor Ann Kananu.

Kenyatta eulogised the late Mr Mwangi for his devoted contributions to the nation. CS Moses Kuria affirmed that the region must come together as a community after the elections, saying that they must leave no space for hostility. Conversely, Ms Shebesh expressed her satisfaction in being part of the opposition, aiming to provide oversight to the Kenya Kwanza government. Mr Gachagua honoured the late Mr Mwangi, recognizing his courage as a committed public servant who served the people of Kenya in different capacities.

"We have accepted that there is a government in place. We are not interested in joining the government. We are very happy to play this role of opposition. It is a role that is enshrined in the constitution and it has to be done by somebody. I agree that it is time to talk to each other but not at each other," said Ms Shebesh.