Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized President William Ruto for attempts to divide the Mt Kenya region, asserting that this division led to his impeachment. During a funeral service, he vowed to resist fragmentation efforts, criticized supporting MPs, and raised concerns over local abductions. The funeral highlighted regional tensions, with expressions of discomfort towards Ruto, emphasizing unity within Mt Kenya for future resource negotiations.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has voiced strong criticisms towards President William Ruto, claiming that the latter’s agenda to divide the Mt Kenya region was central to Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024. Gachagua asserts that Ruto’s proposal sought to split the region into two distinct areas—Central Kenya as the West and the counties of Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi as the East. At a recent funeral service for Eric Mutugi, the son of former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, Gachagua declared his commitment to combat any initiatives aiming at regional fragmentation, emphasizing that unity within Mt Kenya is crucial for the region’s negotiating power concerning national resources.
Despite the recent challenges he has faced, Gachagua reassured the audience that the Mt Kenya region remains steadfast and vigilant against leadership that lacks accountability. He further criticized regional MPs who endorsed his impeachment, indicating their decisions were misguided, and warned that they would face electoral consequences in the approaching elections. Additionally, Gachagua raised alarms regarding the alleged abduction of Billy Munyiri Mwangi in Embu, calling upon the government to account for Mwangi’s whereabouts.
Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi supported Gachagua’s position, expressing unease about the perceived marginalization of Mt Kenya East in terms of development and political representation. The sentiments of unease were palpable during the funeral service itself, as mourners rebuffed condolences from President Ruto. Consequently, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi opted to convey messages to Kivuti’s family discreetly.
Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, who led the funeral service, prayed for an end to abductions, underlining the necessity for peace and prompt action toward the issue of unexplained disappearances. Eric Mutugi, who worked as an Information Technology consultant, was interred at his family home in Kanyuambora, leaving behind a grieving wife and two young children.
The recent events surrounding Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment and his subsequent outcry against President William Ruto underscore the tensions within Kenyan politics, particularly within the Mt Kenya region. The suggested regional division promoted by Ruto has been a point of contention, threatening the unity that Gachagua advocates for amidst fears of marginalization among certain counties. Gachagua’s public statements reflect wider concerns about development inequities and political representation affecting the region, especially regarding Mt Kenya East. Furthermore, the alleged abduction of a local resident adds to the atmosphere of unease, highlighting issues related to personal safety and governmental accountability.
In conclusion, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s denunciation of President William Ruto’s divisive agenda resonates with larger themes of representation and unity within the Mt Kenya region. Gachagua’s steadfast commitment to oppose fragmentation reflects a broader desire for collective strength in negotiations for national resources. The support expressed by other political figures underscores the persistent issues of marginalization within the region, which may influence the political landscape leading to future elections. Furthermore, the haunting issue of alleged abductions in the area remains a significant concern calling for governmental intervention.
Original Source: mwakilishi.com
