Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized President William Ruto for attempting to divide the Mt Kenya region, claiming this led to his impeachment. During a funeral service, he emphasized the importance of unity for regional strength and accused dissenting MPs of being misled. Gachagua also raised concerns over the abduction of a local man, urging government accountability, while former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi expressed concerns about marginalization in development. Tensions flared as mourners rejected Ruto’s condolences, indicating growing discontent in the region.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly scorned President William Ruto, arguing that he was ousted from his position due to his resistance against Ruto’s alleged agenda to divide the Mt Kenya region. This proposed division aimed to categorize Central Kenya as the West and Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties as the East, a move Gachagua contends undermines regional unity. At a recent funeral service, Gachagua emphasized the necessity of solidarity within the region to ensure a strong negotiating position for national resources, despite having faced impeachment in October 2024. He reassured attendees that the Mt Kenya community remains vigilant in its leadership choices and will not support leaders without critical evaluation.
Furthermore, Gachagua criticized certain MPs from the Mt Kenya region who voted for his impeachment, suggesting that they had been misled and would face electoral consequences in upcoming elections. He also voiced serious concerns regarding the alleged abduction of Billy Munyiri Mwangi in Embu, demanding the government’s accountability in providing clarity about Mwangi’s status, whether alive or deceased. Meanwhile, former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi added his voice, highlighting the ongoing marginalization of Mt Kenya East in developmental and political spheres. Tension was palpable during the funeral as mourners rejected condolences from President Ruto, creating an uncomfortable moment that prompted Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi to speak directly to the grieving family without publicly acknowledging the condolences.
In his capacity as the presiding cleric, Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit offered prayers during the service for a cessation of abductions and emphasized the need for peace amidst rising concerns over mysterious disappearances. Eric Mutugi, an Information Technology consultant, was laid to rest at his family’s home in Kanyuambora, leaving behind a grieving wife and two children. The dynamics at the funeral illustrate the growing chasm within the political landscape of the region and raise pressing questions about the future of Mt Kenya’s political cohesion.
The political climate surrounding the Mt Kenya region has become increasingly fraught in recent years, particularly following the controversial leadership changes in Kenya’s presidency. The discussions regarding the division of the Mt Kenya region into East and West have sparked significant resistance among local leaders, particularly those advocating for unity to bolster political and developmental interests. Gachagua’s impeachment appears to be closely linked to his opposition to these divisive moves proposed by President Ruto, raising concerns about internal political allegiances and the overall stability within the region.
In conclusion, the tensions expressed by Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua highlight a critical juncture for the Mt Kenya region, as leaders grapple with an evolving political landscape. Gachagua’s strong stance against division, coupled with the growing unease among local MPs, points to a need for greater regional unity. The public rejection of condolences from President Ruto at a recent funeral serves as a symbol of the unrest and discontent, emphasizing the need for dialogue and resolution within the political fabric of Mt Kenya.
Original Source: mwakilishi.com
