In a recent turn of events, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over what he perceives as divisive actions by some senators within the Mt Kenya region. Gachagua, who accompanied President William Ruto on a three-day tour of Meru county, took the opportunity to address the issue, urging leaders associated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to steer clear of unnecessary disputes.
During the tour, Gachagua singled out Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, accusing them of engaging in needless issues on television. He cautioned UDA leaders, advising them to be mindful of their public statements. “All UDA leaders should be careful with their utterances. I have seen some of these senators get excited when they go on TV. They get lost and get into unnecessary issues like our Nyeri senator today uttering useless things on TV after he became excited,” remarked Gachagua.
The Deputy President emphasized the importance of focusing on the oversight of counties, stating that national government programs are under the purview of the president. He suggested that senators should prioritize discussing pertinent matters related to their constituencies and seek clarification on national government programs happening in their regions.
Wamatinga, in a recent interview on a vernacular TV station, addressed concerns within UDA Mt Kenya leaders. He expressed reservations about their position in the party and the distribution of power, stating, “We made a big mistake by joining UDA without our formation because if we had our party, it would be no contest to DP Gachagua being the deputy party leader.” Wamatinga also discussed the calls for youthful leaders to assume leadership roles, emphasizing the need for mentoring under the guidance of Deputy President Gachagua and President Ruto.
In response to the senators’ statements, Gachagua urged caution, saying, “We want senators to be careful. Because we have also seen the Senator of Murang’a saying useless things with the Nyeri one.” He directed Meru Senator and Deputy Senate Speaker Kathuri Murungi to intervene, instructing him to call the senators from Murang’a and Nyeri and address the perceived breach of order.
During the launch of a Sh150 million market plan in Kanjai, President Ruto echoed Gachagua’s sentiments, calling for unity among youthful politicians in the region. “I want to ask elected leaders, especially the youth, to speak in one voice. We don’t want anyone to divide Mt Kenya counties,” he stated.
Gachagua took the opportunity to dismiss claims by ODM leaders, asserting that they were spreading a false narrative about political divisions within the Mt Kenya region. “We are telling them to leave Mt Kenya alone. We are with Ruto as a region,” he declared.
Meru Senator Murungi echoed the sentiment of unity, stating that Mount Kenya leaders aim to move forward as a cohesive team, offering unwavering support to President Ruto and his deputy. As the political landscape in the region evolves, the call for unity among UDA leaders takes center stage, with leaders emphasizing the importance of collective strength in navigating the challenges ahead.