Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that the government is taking action to end insecurity at the Meru-Isiolo border following cases of cattle rustling.
During a joint interview with media stations from Meru, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi counties on Sunday night, Gachagua stated that the government is committed to addressing banditry and regional conflicts.
“Since we changed the county security team and deployed a new County Commissioner, there has been progress, but the problem has resurfaced. I will speak to the Inspector-General of Police and the Interior Cabinet Secretary, and we will come up with a solution. The County Commissioner has briefed me, and we will conduct a mop-up operation in the area,” he said.
The insecurity incidents have resulted in the loss of lives and livestock, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Gachagua added that the government is mobilizing security organs to address these concerns.
When asked about the frequent road accidents at Nithi Bridge on the Chuka-Meru Road in Tharaka Nithi County, the Deputy President reiterated the government’s commitment to redesigning the bridge, assuring that the project is on track.
“Regarding the Nithi Bridge road accidents, the Principal Secretary recently informed me that the new design is almost complete. I apologize to the people of Meru and Tharaka for the delay. I will follow up on it again. It is an emotive issue, as many lives have been lost on that bridge. The President made a promise, and it is my responsibility to ensure it is fulfilled,” he said.
In early September, 12 people were killed in a crash involving a van and a pickup truck at the bridge.
Regarding stalled development projects in the region, Gachagua assured that they would be completed.
“We are pushing for the completion of the projects. Leaders should shift their focus to development and end politics so that we can complete the stalled projects in the remaining three years. If we put politics aside, we have the opportunity to work. We have economic charters signed with the people in different counties during the campaigns, and we should focus on implementing those charters,” he urged.
He also addressed the Miraa and Muguka businesses in both local and foreign markets, noting that the government is working to address the concerns of traders and farmers.
“Muguka is a cash crop. Let’s wait for the decision from the ongoing talks between leaders. During the campaigns, we promised that Kenya’s ambassador to Miraa-buying countries would be from Meru, and the President appointed Kubai Iringo. We are expanding the foreign market and are still addressing the market issues in Somalia and Djibouti,” he said.
The Deputy President also praised President William Ruto for establishing the National Working Committee to review the new university education funding model following public concerns.
Gachagua said the President’s decision to form the University Education Review Committee has enhanced public participation and improved access to quality and affordable university education and technical training.
“Regarding the university funding model, we rolled out a new program, and the public raised concerns. I am grateful that President William Ruto formed a task force to address the complaints and provide recommendations. It was a good move, as it has strengthened public participation on the issue,” he said.
The task force, led by Professor Japheth Micheni Ntiba as the chairperson, is tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the funding mechanisms affecting universities and Technical, Vocational Education, and Training (TVET) institutions.
