- The event witnessed affirmations of support from scores of MPs, with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro pledging unconditional support for Gachagua's efforts in uniting the Mount Kenya region.
- The highlight of the event was the unanimous declaration by attending leaders, proclaiming Gachagua as the undisputed Mount Kenya kingpin.
Image: AMOS NJAU
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua received overwhelming support from UDA leaders from the Mount Kenya region during a fundraising event at Kinyona in the Kigumo constituency on Saturday.
The event, dedicated to raising funds for Bishop Gatimu Kinyona Girls’ Secondary School, witnessed a rare unity, drawing over 100 MPs from both Kenya Kwanza and Jubilee parties.
The collective presence of leaders underscored a critical call for unity within the Mt Kenya region, emphasizing its importance for future prosperity.
The highlight of the event was the unanimous declaration by attending leaders, proclaiming Gachagua as the undisputed Mount Kenya kingpin.
The leaders rallied behind him, signalling an end to the politics of succession that had arisen following a dispute with Murang’a leaders, who had endorsed Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as Ruto’s running mate in 2027.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua strategically emphasized the need to prevent divisions based on county politics within the Mount Kenya region.
Stressing the historical voting bloc since 2002, he outlined his responsibility to streamline both the president's and his political base and urged caution among leaders in pursuing their political ambitions to avoid conflicts that could lead to confusion.
"We do not want a person who divides us along county lines. Mt Kenya region has voted as a bloc since 2002. I will not allow any leader to divide us based on Counties. We must unite and speak with one voice for the sake of development," Gachagua asserted.
He highlighted the sensitivity of discussing succession politics immediately after the elections and expressed concern for the region's unity after the departure of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Gachagua pledged to mentor youthful politicians to lead the region in the future, ensuring a smooth transition.
“I will not allow any leader to divide the Mount Kenya region based on the Counties, we must unite and speak with one voice for the sake of development," Gachagua said.
The event witnessed affirmations of support from scores of MPs, with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro pledging unconditional support for Gachagua's efforts in uniting the Mount Kenya region.
Gachagua 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 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.
Kiharu MP who was present during the event reaffirmed his support for Gachagua and addressed him as his 'boss and friend'.
He vowed to support Gachagua unconditionally in his effort to unite the Mount Kenya region and promotion of growth.
"Deputy President, we will support you and the President unconditionally," he said.
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 its reign".
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro cautioned leaders against letting their ambitions cause divisions.
"We cannot stop someone from dreaming but you don't have to speak it out," he said.
Political analyst Albert Kasembeli, speaking to the Star, praised the UDA leaders' wise move to speak in one voice, endorsing Gachagua to avoid counterproductive debates.
Kasembeli suggested that there was a hidden hand behind the push, speculating potential divisions in the Mount Kenya region and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
"The move to endorse Gachagua as region kingpin was very well thought as it will end the debate of succession in the region," he said.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu retracted his endorsement of Nyoro and endorsed Gachagua as the regional leader.
Muriu noted that he does not doubt Gachagua's capacity to deputise Ruto and unite Mount Kenya unity.
“We are fully behind you deputy president and I have no doubt in your capacity to lead us,” he said.
Notably, Murang’a senator Joe Nyutu, who had discredited Gachagua, did not attend the event.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah lauded the MPs for putting aside political affiliations, emphasizing continued support for the government.
Embakasi North MP Mwangi Gakuya underscored the need to respect the Kenya Kwanza government, which they fought for.
Ruto while speaking in Gilgil last week, asked leaders in Kenya Kwanza and UDA to step down from any present and future contestation.
He urged leaders to focus attention on the delivery of the assignment given to us by Kenyans especially leaders in Kenya Kwanza and UDA.
"Riggy G and I have a plan and we said we shall mentor the young men, but they should move with caution. They should not push us too much because if they do so, they will spoil things. To the young leaders, do not be in a hurry, we are ready to mentor you. We are different," he said.
Kikuyu Council of Elders national chairman Wachira Kiago recently urged Mount Kenya leaders to support Gachagua as the senior politician in the Mount Kenya region.
Kiago noted that it's high time for leaders in Mount Kenya to speak in one voice for the sake of growth and prosperity.
"I'm highly requesting Mt Kenya leaders to support deputy president Rigathi Gachagua as a senior politician in our region and stop the unhealthy politics of succession," Kiago said.