Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged his detractors, including Members of Parliament, to allow him to work and fulfil the mandate of his office to serve the people of Kenya.
The Deputy President spoke on Saturday in Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Meru counties, where he engaged with small-scale traders, farmers, and other residents.
During various stopovers on his way to Meru, DP Gachagua also provided an update on the political situation in the country.
Throughout the engagements, the Deputy President requested his detractors to permit him to perform his duties and cease intimidating him.
The DP is in the region for a two-day working trip, engaging the public on agricultural reforms in coffee and tea, as well as the Miraa and Muguka trades.
In his remarks, Mr Gachagua, accompanied by various political leaders, including Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, and Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, stated that he would not yield to intimidation aimed at forcing him to resign.
To Members of the National Assembly and Senators whom he accused of unjustifiably criticising him, Mr Gachagua urged them to focus on initiating pieces of legislation that would enhance public welfare.
Emphasising the need for political leaders to prioritise correctly, the Deputy President also advised the legislators to refrain from involving themselves in issues concerning the Executive.
“We are asking our detractors to allow us to work for Kenyans. Leave me alone. Let us work for Kenyans and stop the high-temperature politics. We were given a five-year contract by Kenyans. There are many stalled projects that need attention and completion,” said Mr Gachagua.
He added, “This is not the time for politicking, but for working for Kenyans.”
“MPs should do their work on legislation and stop interfering with the Executive. They should concentrate on passing laws that will benefit the people, not engage in politics,” he stated.
During the visit, Mr Gachagua interacted with thousands of Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) traders in Wang’uru town, Embu Market, Runyenjes, Chuka, Nkubu, Meru, and Makutano towns concerning Government policies and programmes affecting their trade.
He also urged residents to reject divisive politics.
“We are asking our leaders to stop politicking and work for wananchi. Let us reject attempts to divide the Mt Kenya region into political camps. The Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru people are one indivisible community. We should focus on development. We campaigned on the platform of economic transformation, but some political leaders have abandoned this and are now concentrating on politics of division,” said Mr Gachagua in Chuka Town, Tharaka-Nithi County.
At Embu Town, the Deputy President joined the Kenya Red Cross Society at Moi Stadium for a special fundraising event to help rebuild the Jomo Kenyatta Centre for Children with Physical Disabilities, which was destroyed by fire in June of this year.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Kenya Red Cross Secretary-General Dr. Ahmed Idris, Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina, Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Juja MP George Koimburi, and several MCAs were also present.
Mr Gachagua addressed residents of Difathas township, who had blocked the Embu-Mwea highway in protest over a road accident that recently claimed the life of a five-year-old child, Elius Linus Mugendi.
He comforted the family over their loss and promised to follow up on the issue.
“I have spoken to the police boss and agreed that action will be taken against the officers who caused the accident. I will follow up on the issue and ensure the family gets justice,” he said. The protestors accepted his plea, opened the road, and called off the demonstration.
Regarding agricultural reforms, the Deputy President stated that the changes will also focus on miraa and muguka farming. Muguka is classified as a legal crop under the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023, he noted.
“Muguka is a cash crop, and I will continue advocating for issues that will improve the welfare of muguka farmers and traders. We will continue the work that the people entrusted us with in 2022,” said Mr Gachagua.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, MPs Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga), George Koimburi (Juja), Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta), and a host of MCAs accompanied the Deputy President on the working tour.
“As MPs, our duty is to make laws. We, the people of the Mt Kenya region, stand behind the Deputy President; we will not allow coercion or intimidation,” said Njeri Maina.
The leaders stated that they will not permit attempts to divide the Mt Kenya region into political camps.
On Sunday (tomorrow), the Deputy President is slated to attend a church service at the Kinoru Methodist Church in Imenti North, Meru County.
