Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed the debate by some politicians over regional kingpins and tribal groupings, terming it trivial and against development.
Gachagua said his bid to consolidate Mt Kenya behind President William Ruto is part of a strategy towards uniting the country.
Asking the politicians and analysts to stop dragging him into the debate about kingpins, the Deputy President said he was busy executing duties assigned to him by the Constitution and the Head of State.
“There is no provision in the Constitution that talks about kingpinship. I have no time or desire to aspire for any other office because the work I have as Deputy President is a lot. I have no time for that kingpinship nonsense. I am so busy that I can hardly cope. That debate should end and those interested with kingpinship positions can pursue that,” said Gachagua on Sunday.
He was speaking at the Anglican Church of Kenya St James Cathedral in Kiambu town, where he was accompanied by his spouse Pastor Dorcas Rigathi and over 50 leaders from various parts of the country.
At the same time, the Deputy President said he had no problem with Former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Gachagua said he is uniting the region behind the President and he was reaching out to even those who voted in favour of Azimio la Umoja Coalition in the 2022 General Election.
“Elections are over, President Ruto and I are magnanimous in victory and we are inviting the poll losers and those who were in Opposition to join us in working for the country. We had a problem with Uhuru Kenyatta (retired President) during the elections because of who he was supporting for President. But we won and we have no elections now so we like him. Even those who mistreated us, we have forgiven them. There is strength in unity,” said Gachagua.
He continued, “When I called for unity of the region, it was to rally it behind President Ruto not myself. In the last elections, we were divided and now we should unite behind him so that he can succeed and carry us along. When united behind him we have better leverage of benefiting”.
The Deputy President further defended President Ruto’s foreign tours after mounting criticism by a section of Opposition politicians.
He also asked Kenyans to be patient with President Ruto’s ongoing efforts to rebuild the country’s economy.
As a result of the troops, he said the Head of State has been able to secure funds for road contractors and the stalled projects will resume. He said the contractors would be back to the sites soon.
Additionally, that over 200 youths will benefit from training offered by Germany technical schools, a move that will increase their employment opportunities.
Led by Jubilee Party Acting Party Leader Sabina Chege and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’a, the leaders stated that they will continue supporting the Ruto Administration and it’s initiatives such as revival of the economy, eradication of illicit brews, reforms in the Agricultural sector and unity of the country.
“There were immense challenges in the country at the time the President took over but we are surmounting them. The President is working to streamline things. At the time of taking over leadership, the country was broke and the economy had been captured. But the initiatives made by the President and his Deputy have saved the country from sinking economically,” said Ichungw’a.
Other leaders present lauded the Deputy President over the ongoing fight against illicit brews and reforms in the coffee sub-sector.
“We support you and the Kenya Kwanza Administration. We will continue with the good work of the President as he moves around the country and world looking for partners. We are happy with your decision to eradicate illicit brews and save the boy-child. It was a fundamental decision that was overdue,” said Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi asked other leaders to push for a one-man-one shilling formula of sharing national resources.
“We have an opportunity to redeem ourselves. I started the One man, One Shilling debate and I am still of the opinion that we should pick it up. I urge the leaders to push it. We will never be forgiven by future generations if we promote conflict instead of pushing the agenda,” said Wamatangi.
Other leaders present were Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, businessman Jimi Wanjigi, Kiambu and host MP Machua Waithaka, Kiambu Deputy Governor Rosemary Kĩrĩka, Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), Mejja Donk Gathiru (Embakasi Central MP), Joseph Cherorot (Kipkelion East MP), John Mutunga (Tigania West MP), Julius Melly (Tinderet MP), Mary Wamaua (Maragua MP), Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), Wanjiru Mwangi (nominated), Karen Nyamu (Nominated Senator), Samson Cherargei (Senator Nandi).
Also present were Woman Representatives Ann Wamuratha (Kiambu), Linet Toto (Bomet), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia), Betty Maina (Murang’a), Susan Ngugi (Tharaka Nithi), Elizabeth Kailemia (Meru) and Njoki Njeru (Embu).
MPs Kamande Mwafrika (Roysambu), Julius Ruto (Kesses), Member of East Africa Legislative Assembly Maina Karobia, Rindikiri Mugambi Murwithania (Buuri), Benjamin Gakuya (Embakasi North), Kuria Kimani (Molo), Nimrod Mbai (Kitui West), Mwenda Gataya Mo Fire (Tharaka Nithi senator, Mary Maingi (Mwea), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Simon King’ara (Ruiru), Engineer Chege Kiragu (Limuru), Peter Kihungi (Kangema), Dominic Leitipila (Samburu North) and Shadrack Mwiti (South Imenti) were present.
Also in attendance were MPs Charity Chepkwony (Njoro), Daniel Kiiri (Igembe Central), Maina Mathenge (Nyeri Town), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), George Gachagua (Ndaragwa), Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), Njuguna Kiaraho (Ol Kalou) and Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete).
Former Dagorreti South MP Dennis Waweru and members of county assemblies were in attendance.
