• Gachagua said it's his responsibility to streamline both the president's and his backyard and emphasised the need for Mt Kenya and Rift Valley to remain united.
• He was responding to calls by scores of MPs who assured him of their support and called for unity in the Mt Kenya region.
Image: ALICE WAITHERA
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pledged to mentor youthful leaders to take over once the Kenya Kwanza administration's tenure ends.
He said the Mt Kenya region was left stranded after former President Uhuru Kenyatta left office and vowed to ensure youthful politicians are mentored to lead the region into the future.
"When my time comes, I will not leave you the way Uhuru left us. I will nurture you, carefully and intelligently," he said.
The DP as speaking at Kinyona in Kigumo constituency during a memorial service for nominated MP Sabina Chege's mother Suzanne Wanjiru and a fundraising for Bishop Gatimu Kinyona girls secondary school founded by Chege.
"When it's my time to exit, we will have prepared enough leaders and you can choose who to vote for among them. Uhuru did not prepare us. I sprung up from nowhere like a mushroom," the DP said.
He was responding to calls by scores of MPs who assured him of their support and called for unity in the Mt Kenya region.
Last month, a group of UDA leaders endorsed Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro to take over from Gachagua as the Deputy President in 2027.
The leaders who were in Kiharu constituency for the launch of Masono Bora programme said Nyoro was the ideal candidate for the position.
But Nyoro who had remained mum over the issue declared his support for the president and his deputy weeks later in a move that was seen to be largely aimed at quelling infighting in UDA.
While speaking during the fundraiser, Nyoro reaffirmed his support for Gachagua and addressed him as his 'boss and friend' before proceeding to outline government's programmes.
"As Ndindi Nyoro, and all MPs in Kenya Kwanza, we know President Ruto's plans to transform the country. We know the economy is changing and the least we can do is to support him and his deputy, to offer them unconditional support as they serve Kenyans.
"We know Gachagua was given the role of streamlining the agriculture sector and we have allocated funds for the subsidised fertilisers, stabilising milk prices and modernising New KCC plants," the Kiharu MP said.
Gachagua said it's his responsibility to streamline both the president's and his backyard and emphasised the need for both Mt Kenya and Rift Valley regions to remain united.
Image: Alice Waithera
The DP urged leaders to pursue their political ambitions cautiously to avoid causing conflicts that may lead to confusion.
He said the Mt Kenya region has voted as a bloc since 2002 when Mwai Kibaki was voted in after losing in 1992 and 1997 presidential races.
The Deputy President said it's insensitive to discuss succession politics so soon after elections and that Kenyans want leaders to focus on work.
The over 100 MPs from both Kenya Kwanza and Jubilee party who turned up in a rare show of unity underscored the need for the Mt Kenya region to unite for its posterity.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, one of the MPs who endorsed Nyoro, said he had no doubt in Gachagua's capacity to deputise Ruto.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah on his part lauded the MPs for putting aside their political affiliations for the greater good.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan, a member of the Jubilee party, defended the government over the high cost of living saying most developed nations had to make difficult decisions in order to progress.
He said members of his party will continue to support the government for the good of the country.
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro hit out at Nyoro saying though leaders are allowed to dream, they should not let their ambitions cause divisions.
"We cannot stop someone from dreaming but you don't have to speak it out," he said.
Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau, however, noted that there were no divisions in the Mt Kenya saying the region is firmly behind Ruto and his deputy.
Embakasi North MP Mwangi Gakuya said they fought tooth and nail for the Kenya Kwanza government and as such, the regime should be respected especially by members.
Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome said the Mt Kenya region cannot afford to read from different scripts and urged local leaders to desist from engaging in divisive politics.
"We went through a lot to secure this government and I know the foundation that the Kenya Kwanza government has laid will be felt years after it's reign".