- The DP told his backyard to continue supporting President Ruto's administration.
- Gachagua accompanied Ruto on his development tour of Mt Kenya region.
Image: AMOS NJAU
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had a packed week that saw him accompany his boss William Ruto for a three-day tour of the Central Kenya region.
On Monday, Gachagua met his former Kianyaga High School teachers in a bid to strategise on improving the institution's academic performance.
He met the former Principal Julius Kano Ndumbi and his Deputy Simon Muchiri Muthee.
"The discussions were highly productive and enriching. As the Old Boys of the School, we will involve these and other technical experts in solid interventions of appreciating the impact of the institution, which moulded us into who we are today," Gachagua said.
"We will transform it into a model institution in the region and the country."
On the same day and as a member of the Kiganjo Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Ruguru Parish, Gachagua hosted the Moderator of the 23rd General Assembly of the PCEA Right Reverend Mutahi Thegu, at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi.
He was accompanied by Reverend Francis Ndia, the Chairman of PCEA Mt Kenya Region and Elder Elijah Guyo, who is also the Chairman of the Business Committee.
He also held talks with Baringo leaders, led by Senator William Cheptumo, at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi.
"It was an insightful meeting on the security situation in Baringo and the North Rift Region, where our Security Agencies are under firm instructions to end the banditry attacks," Gachagua said.
Before embarking on the tour, the DP on Tuesday held talks with the senior Kenya Tea Development Agency management officials, at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi.
The talks focused on improving benefits to farmers as per the prevailing friendly market dynamics.
"The higher exchange rate of the US Dollar must benefit the producer of tea farmers. This will complement the raft of short-term and long-term measures we are undertaking for sustainable safeguards for the farmer,'' Gachagua said.
The DP used the president's tour of his backyard to warn the region's politicians against ferrying supporters to cheer and jeer leaders in the President's meetings.
The tour also provided a litmus test for the unity of Central Kenya leaders.
It was also during the leaders of Murang'a county that Retired Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo delivered the news of opposition leader Raila Odinga's quest for the African Union Commission chairperson job.
Obasanjo met the President and his deputy in Murang'a, hours after the leader had declared his support for Raila's bid for the AU's topmost job.
"We will speak with one voice and rally behind the president for the realization of the projects," Gachagua said on Wednesday during the tour.
The President and his deputy on Friday concluded their three-day tour of the Mt Kenya region, showcasing a series of development initiatives and engagements with electorates.
Over the past three days, the President and his deputy visited Murang’a, Nyeri, and Kiambu counties, bringing various initiatives and projects that were well-received by the residents.
On Wednesday, Ruto inaugurated the Nyambari-Mai Mahiu road, laid a foundation stone at Soko Mjinga market in Kiambu, and commissioned the Kenya Medical Training College Kangema campus, allocating Sh200 million.
He also pledged Sh100 million to support the expansion of Kangema Sub-county Hospital.
On Thursday, the President together with Gachagua, commissioned the Ithanga water project in Murang’a, constructed in partnership with the Belgium Development Corporation for Sh3.6 billion.
Additionally, he launched the Makenji Housing Project in Kandara Constituency, the Maragua Bulk Water Project, and the Changachicha Water Project in Chinga, Othaya Constituency.
On Thursday evening, Ruto and Gachagua held a consultative meeting with Mt Kenya leaders at Sagana State Lounge.
Gachagua emphasized the benefits of the housing project for residents and warned against divisive leaders in the region.
He reiterated his stance against the division of Mt Kenya leaders, emphasizing unity and respect among all leaders.
"Mt Kenya leaders will always speak in one voice and those leaders thinking they will divide us won’t be entertained," he said.
On Thursday, Gachagua advised Kenyans hoarding dollars to sell them immediately saying all indications are that the shilling will continue gaining against the foreign currency in the coming days.
The DP’s advice came on a day the Kenyan shilling posted the strongest single-day gain against the dollar in 12 years after 11 straight days of appreciation to trade at Sh153.75 at some commercial banks.
“Na mimi unajua kwa sababu ni mtu ya kuongea ukweli, niliambia wakenya mambo ya ukweli (You know I’m truthful and I told Kenyans the truth),” the DP said.
Early that morning, Gachagua was on his signature morning walk through Hombe, which is part of Mt Kenya Forest.
"My interaction with neighbours, who also border the forest, was an opportunity to discuss the importance of securing such a serene nature for an assured future. It is our responsibility," he said.
On the same day, Gachagua checked on the progress of his dairy and poultry farming, before heading out to join our President on his development tour.