- Acknowledging the divisive atmosphere of the political landscape at the time, he emphasized the importance of unity and respect within the Mt Kenya community.
- He pledged to work towards fostering unity and healing the wounds of past political rivalries, stressing the need to uphold respect for elders.
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has extended an apology to Mama Ngina Kenyatta, the mother to former President Uhuru Kenyatta for the rift that occurred in 2022.
Gachagua expressed remorse over the disrespectful behaviour exhibited towards Mama Ngina during the heightened political activities of the last general election.
He spoke during an interview with Kameme FM at his Karen residence on Monday.
Acknowledging the divisive atmosphere of the political landscape at the time, he emphasized the importance of unity and respect within the Mt Kenya community.
He pledged to work towards fostering unity and healing the wounds of past political rivalries, stressing the need to uphold respect for elders.
"In 2022, politics had deteriorated to a deplorable state. There was a regrettable lack of respect, with insults being hurled at Mama Ngina, and I'm very sorry for that. We humbly request her forgiveness," Gachagua said.
He further emphasized the importance of respecting Uhuru, highlighting his significant role within the Kikuyu community.
He said that he is looking forward to meeting any leader whether in Azimio or any other affiliation noting that Uhuru should also be respected.
“He is our son and we love him. I directed the regional leaders to desist from attacking the retired President. We still love him, if he wronged us, that is past and it’s not meaningful as all what we need is peace and unity of our people, ”Gachagua said.
Gachagua condemned the divisive tactics employed during the 2022 elections and vowed to promote a culture of unity and respect across the country.
He called upon the Mt Kenya community to unite and speak with one voice, emphasizing the importance of learning from past divisions.
“I’m out to reach out to all leaders in the Mt Kenya region including church leaders and community elders, there are those who have been attacking me indirectly in the government and I always reach out to them in private and seek out any difference,” he said.
He said that the Mt Kenya region will not risk speaking in different voices noting that this would lead to delayed development and urged elders to unite the community.
The DP called on the community to dismiss any attempts to sow division among them, highlighting 1992 when the region was divided right down the middle.
He said that then Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Nyandarua supported Mwai Kibaki while Kiambu, Murang'a and Nairobi supported Kenneth Matiba.
Gachagua recently announced that he is ready to hold meetings with elders of the Mt Kenya region as one way of integrating them for the sake of unity.
Uhuru's cousin Kung’u Muigai on Friday told the Star that anyone preaching about unity in the region should be supported and respected as well.
Kung'u said that the 2022 election was very volatile and resulted in major division noting that a section of elders were in Azimio while few were in support of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“It's high time we unite and support our leaders. Gachagua should continue with his unity effort for the sake of building a robust Mt Kenya unity,” Kung'u said.