Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to young people to call off planned peaceful protests to prevent their infiltration by criminals whose mission is to cause mayhem in the country.
The Deputy President emphasized that ceasing the protests would allow security officers to crack down on and deal firmly with criminals who recently engaged in violence, looting, and destruction of property during the demonstrations.
Speaking in Mirera village, Laikipia County, Gachagua urged the youth to halt the protests, noting that President William Ruto had addressed their concerns by dropping the Finance Bill 2024.
“Our country faces difficult moments, and as the Deputy President, I want to call for peace and calm. This is our only country. We have no other. I ask all Kenyans to maintain peace and avoid violence,” said Gachagua.
He made these remarks during the funeral of his eldest sister, Leah Wangari Muriuki. President Ruto sent a condolence message to the family, which the Deputy President read.
Accompanied by his spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, over 30 political leaders, and Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, Gachagua lamented the turn of peaceful protests into violent confrontations.
He assured the public that mechanisms to address their issues were being developed and urged them to trust the process.
“Now that you have been heard, mechanisms are being worked on to address the issues. Once you call off your protests, our security agencies will be able to deal firmly and decisively with the criminal elements who have been breaking into shops and destroying properties,” said Gachagua.
Addressing the younger generation, he said, “To Generation Z, as your father, we have heard you. You spoke clearly, and the message is home. What started as peaceful protests has been infiltrated and hijacked by criminals looting and causing chaos. As a parent, I plead with you to call off the protests.”
“The President has acceded to your pleas to be heard; you will be heard. As our children, you owe this country peace. Please do not allow criminals to take advantage of what you started in good faith.”
Gachagua also called on political leaders to lower the political temperatures and focus on peaceful national coexistence.
The event was attended by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, Governors Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Kiarie Badilisha (Nyandarua), Senate Deputy Speaker and Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, and over 30 MPs.
“Let us bring down political temperatures. Let us all build our country together. We have one country and one leader. We must work towards peaceful coexistence to enjoy the fruits of our labour. Chaos and mayhem are not conducive for people to carry on with their lives,” urged Gachagua.
Eulogizing his sister, the Deputy President described her as a unifying figure, a pillar, and a source of strength and spiritual support.
“When our parents died, she became the matriarch. She united us as a family and showed us how to pray. She has left a big gap in our larger Gachagua family,” he said.
President Ruto, in his condolence message, eulogized Wangari, 82, a retired teacher, as a hardworking and selfless person who served the community with dedication.
“Our country has lost a selfless and hardworking woman. Mama Leah was progressive, responsible, and caring. She was a selfless and devout figure who served her community with distinction. She had fresh ideas that transformed the lives of many people she taught. She was a prayerful philanthropist and industrious agripreneur who loved education,” the President said in the message read on his behalf by the Deputy President.
Pastor Dorcas also eulogized Mama Leah as a mother who knew how to direct, guide, and protect her family.
Additionally, the Deputy President highlighted the National Government’s commitment to development in Laikipia County and across the country.
He mentioned the deployment of 250 National Police Reservists to enhance security in the region and the installation of an electric fence to prevent wild animal encroachment as some of the achievements.
