‘We will place him in our prayers’: Kenya Kwanza leaders defend DP Gachagua

The simmering conflict went a notch higher on Tuesday when the deputy president himself hit out at his so-called detractors whom he accused of sabotaging his efforts to unite the region.

Speaking at Kabare Village in Gichugu Constituency, Kirinyaga County, during the funeral service of his former teacher at Kianyaga High School, Julius Kano Ndumbi, Gachagua told his opponents to "continue dreaming" of getting rid of him in the 2027 succession politics.

"It is okay for those dreaming of removing me to do so. There is no problem with dreaming. They can continue dreaming," Gachagua said.

He went on: "I made a decision, as the senior most elected leader in Mount Kenya region, to unite everyone irrespective of political affiliation. I am happy that the ordinary people at the grassroots are united. Only a section of leaders are trying to divide the region, but they will not succeed."

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina who had accompanied Gachagua at the event voiced her defence stating that those being used to cause divisions in Mt Kenya would face the consequences.

"Are we going to support Rigathi Gachagua? Will we place him in our prayers? Are we going to back him hapa kwa ground? Are we going to let people joke about him? I want to urge all of us to support Riggy G. If there are those dreaming, let them keep dreaming. We will deal with all the detractors," MP Njeri Maina stated.

She added: "Anyone who thinks that this is about the president and his deputy is misguided. It is a message to the selfish leaders from Mt. Kenya region who are falling over themselves to replace Rigathi Gachagua."

Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari said: "As Mount Kenya leaders we are behind the Deputy President and President Ruto. There are detractors and we request that the DP to deny them attention."

Jubilee politician Muriithi wa Kang'ara also commended the Deputy President for standing firm and working with all leaders including those allied to the opposition outfits.

"The Deputy President is a hero and leader of the Mount Kenya community. We urge him to continue uniting the region and working with all leaders. As an elder, I will work with him in that exercise," said Mr Kang'ara.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru appeared to have triggered a political storm after she directly addressed the deputy president asking him to allow anyone else to "dream, nurture and express ambition to occupy any office of leadership."

"While we respect the office of the Deputy President, and indeed any other office of leadership, a progressive democracy does not allow us as occupiers of public leadership offices to personalize them to the extent that it becomes taboo for anyone else to nurture and express ambition to occupy them. We hold these offices in trust not as owners," said Waiguru in a statement on Monday evening. 

She added: "Everyone has a right to dream & pursue their dreams like those in current leadership dreamt and their dreams actualized by the support of millions of youth & women. They too, deserve support, not hostility. Hopefully, we all seek the best for Kenya."

On Tuesday, Gachagua dismissed perceptions of a fallout with President William Ruto following his perceived silence, stating that he had taken a break to meditate, pray, and fast for the country inside the vast Mt. Kenya forest, a pilgrimage he is known to make.