Be patient with President Ruto on protests stakeholder engagement, Gachagua urges Kenyans

Mr Gachagua has also called for restraint, urging Kenyans to respect leaders and stop jeering MPs or destroying their properties over the Finance Bill 2024, which has already been rejected by the President.

The Deputy President said President Ruto has already kicked off consultations with various groups and stakeholders including the church leaders and business community to address the concerns raised by Gen-Z demonstrators.

"Let us give the President a chance to complete the consultation with all stakeholders including the business community and church leaders, among others. Things will stabilise soon and the country will be on a good trajectory of development," said Mr Gachagua on Saturday.

He said this while addressing Murang'a County residents at Kaharati Primary school grounds in Maragua Constituency, during the Maragua Education Endowment Fund. He also acknowledged greetings from thousands of people who turned up at Kenol Town.

Appealing to the Gen-Z to stop the protests, the Deputy President asked them to stop intimidating leaders over their stance on the Finance Bill 2024.

The Bill has since been rejected by President Ruto, who issued a memorandum.

"Let us give leaders an opportunity to serve us. There is no need to intimidate them, destroy their property or jeer them. There will be a right time to make a decision on whether to return them to office or not," said Mr Gachagua.

The Deputy President, who was in the company of various leaders, further said that the Government has considered the issues raised by Gen-Z protesters.

"To the Gen-Z protesters, we have listened and heard you. Our young children and teenagers have knowledge, we have experience. We can combine the two for the good of our nation," he said.

He continued: " You have a valid point. We will take your suggestions. The President has already started the process of consultation. I will continue assisting the President".

He further stated that the Mau Mau roads projects will continue and that the  contractor will return to the site.

Mr Gachagua asked leaders to stop high octane politics, a statement that was echoed by the political leaders present at the event.

On reforms in the coffee sub-sector, the Deputy President asked officials of cooperative societies to avoid borrowing funds from lenders without the  authority of the farmers.

" It's time for work, not politics. Kenyans will have the opportunity to make leadership changes in the next election cycle. We are proud of what the DP is doing in his mandates including the fight against illicit brews and drugs and substance abuse. The elected leaders are working with the National Government Administration Officers to eradicate the vices. You have saved a generation in the initiative," said Maragua MP Mary Wamaua to the DP.

She said that on reforms in coffee, tea, avocado and dairy and other agricultural sectors the Deputy President has done well and the rural economy is roaring back.

"We support the Deputy President and President and we urge them to continue with the national unity agenda," said Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa.

Urging political leaders to stick to development, the senator condemned a section of political leaders whom he said were confusing DP Gachagua's unity agenda with tribalism. He said they are misdirected.

Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who is Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, said the Government has initiated deliberate programmes and policies in the trade and agriculture sector to create job and income opportunities.

He called on young political leaders to respect the Deputy President. He also said that there is no division at the Presidency.

MPs Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Wambugu Wainaina (Othaya), Kamande Mwafrika (Roysambu) and Benjamin Gathiru Mejjadonk (Embakasi Central) and MCAs led by the host Kamahuha Ward Representative James Karanja Wa-kabera were also present.