The First Term Deputy President Has Insisted He Will Focus on Alcohol Abuse Campaign Despite The Turmoil
In a political landscape marked by fierce succession battles and shifting alliances, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remains resolute in his commitment to serving the people of Kenya, particularly in addressing the pressing issue of alcohol abuse in the Mt. Kenya region.
Amidst mounting pressure and calls for his replacement as President William Ruto’s deputy in the 2027 General Election, Gachagua, while addressing Nyandarua MCAs on Tuesday, dismissed the succession talks as “childish politics.” He emphasized the need for elected leaders to prioritize service delivery over engaging in premature succession discussions.
“Let us not be transfixed with childish politics of succession. We have barely come from elections…one and a half years…people want service…kuhudumiwa, kujua mambo ya barabara, ukulima, stima, maziwa. Sasa mambo ya uchaguzi ni ya nini? Tuwachane na hiyo maneno,” said Gachagua.
Despite the internal strife within his own UDA party and the larger Mount Kenya region, Gachagua remains focused on assisting President Ruto in fulfilling their mandate to the Kenyan people. He urged leaders to unite under President Ruto’s leadership and work towards the common goal of delivering on their promises.
Gachagua’s resilience in the face of mounting challenges was further evident when he expressed his readiness to pay the ultimate political price to combat the scourge of illicit alcohol in the Mt. Kenya region. At his official Karen residence, the Deputy President declared that there would be no turning back in the battle against alcoholism.
“We will not relent in this war. Many people have tried to dissuade me from it, but we will not. If by enacting laws to protect the next generation from extinction, if that will bring our political careers to an end, so be it,” asserted Gachagua.
He highlighted the detrimental impact of alcohol abuse on the youth, emphasizing the need for leaders to create a prosperous, hardworking community that can take care of themselves and their families. Gachagua commended the Nyandarua County Assembly for passing the Nyandarua County Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2023, as a crucial step in combating the sale of illicit brews.
The legislation establishes regulatory committees responsible for licensing the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol within the county. It also restricts the transportation of alcohol between certain hours, signaling a comprehensive effort to address the issue at the local level.
As Gachagua continues his fight against alcohol abuse, he expressed his intention to extend his focus to the Coast province to support efforts in tackling the challenge of hard drugs.
Amidst the political maneuvering, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki, whose name has been thrown into the succession debate, dismissed the talks as ‘tactless, anti-people, and primitive.’
Kindiki, assigned by President Ruto to champion administration programs, emphasized the sensitivity of his role, urging leaders not to drag his name into the succession discourse.
“The ongoing debate ought to stop, but if it must proceed, I respectfully request that my name should not be dragged in it,” stated Kindiki.
The succession dynamics within the UDA party and the larger Mount Kenya region have led to factionalism, with calls for Gachagua’s replacement coming from both Central Kenya and Mount Kenya East. Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro and Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki have emerged as potential contenders for the deputy presidency in 2027.
The internal rifts within UDA are further complicated by the activities of Public Service Cabinet Moses Kuria, who is positioning himself as Mount Kenya’s next political kingpin. The looming threat from former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Azimio axis and the emergence of former Mungiki leader Main Njenga as a political force add layers of complexity to the political landscape.
Gachagua, however, remains undeterred, dismissing the attacks on him as baseless and immature. He reiterates his commitment to assisting President Ruto in delivering on their promises and urges fellow leaders to focus on the welfare of the Kenyan people rather than engaging in divisive politics.
As the political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how the succession dynamics will shape the political future of the Mount Kenya region and the UDA party. In the midst of the storm, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stands firm, prioritizing the well-being of the people and the fight against societal challenges over the tumultuous world of political maneuvering.