- They cited the efforts by Gachagua to reconcile warring leaders in Meru and Kiambu.
- The leaders said the governor was coming up with flimsy excuses for his failure to relate well with his deputy.
Image: SENATE
A section of leaders from Trans Nzoia have told Governor George Natembeya to stop linking Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to the leadership wrangles pitting him against his deputy Philomena Kapkory.
Youth Association chairman Paul Wekesa, Secretary General Kimaiyo Kirop and Treasurer Janet Kapsicha said it was wrong for the governor to claim that Gachagua was behind their wrangles.
“We were shocked when the governor claimed that the tussle between him and his deputy was being fueled by the deputy president. This is a joke of the century,” said Wekesa.
While appearing before the Senate Devolution Committee inquiring on the matter, Natembeya blamed Gachagua for the raging war between them for months now saying DP’s visit to the region in August marked the beginning of the frosty relationship.
“My Deputy and I used to relate very well until the Deputy President visited the county sometime in August. I didn’t attend because I wasn’t invited. From that time she has become big-headed,” said Natembeya.
And, on Sunday, the Trans Nzoia leaders hit back at the governor telling him to stop involving the deputy president in his woes.
They said Gachagua was a national leader who was committed to peace and the unity of Kenyans, noting that the governor was coming up with flimsy excuses for his failure to relate well with his deputy.
“The deputy president is a national figure who is always keen to ensuring that leaders work in unity and teamwork in every part of the country for the sake of peace and development,” said Kirop.
The leaders argued that efforts by Gachagua to reconcile warring leaders in Meru and Kiambu were a clear demonstration that he was keen to ensure leaders worked together in-service delivery to Kenyans.
They said Gachagua was not part of the process by Natembeya to nominate Philomena Kapkory as his deputy, saying the governor should stop tarnishing the name of the deputy president.
“We are telling our governor to stop dragging the name of the deputy president in Trans Nzoia local politics. He has no time for that. He is busy helping President William Ruto to implement his development agenda for Kenyans,” said Kapsicha.
They told Natembeya to look for ways of reconciling with his deputy for the sake of development in the area instead of tarnishing the good image of the Deputy President.
Meanwhile, the leaders praised Gachagua’s efforts in the war against drug abuse and illicit brews across the country.
They noted that the intensified war against the vices by Gachagua was a clear demonstration that he had the interest of the youth at heart.
“We want to commend the deputy president for the great work he is doing in fighting illicit brews and drug abuse. His efforts are yielding fruits,” said Wekesa.
They urged religious, and political leaders and the provincial administration to support the work of the deputy president for the sake of the future generation.
Wekesa expressed concern that many youths had abandoned schooling because of illicit brews and alcohol consumption, saying the move by the deputy president to lead in the war against the vices should be supported by all Kenyans.
“It is impressive that everywhere the deputy president tours, he urged Kenyans to educate the youth on the dangers posed by engaging in alcoholism and drug abuse. This is commendable. We want all politicians and church leaders to emulate him if we are to solve the problems facing our youths,’ said Kirop.