Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is seeking to allay Mt Kenya fears over Kenya Kwanza policies during his push to heal post-election rifts.
He is trying to reunite the region and its elders divided between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza. Mt Kenya voted for William Ruto as President but now there’s disillusionment with some of the administration’s tax policies.
For the first time, Gachagua said the government would review some perceived ‘punitive taxes’ that have triggered an uproar and threatened Kenya Kwanza's popularity.
Some government critics have cited a wave of taxes targeting the region's economic mainstays to discredit President Ruto's administration as uncaring.
However, the government's fortunes in the region could be shored up after Gachagua declared the Finance Act 2023 could soon be revised to eliminate some taxes.
“Discussions on the Finance Bill are ongoing and amendments will be made to reflect the reality of the sector; MPs will do their part,” Gachagua told avocado industry stakeholders on March 19.
The Finance Act of 2023 introduced a raft of tax measures including new levies on agriculture products, triggering discontent in Mt Kenya, which remains important for Ruto’s re-election.
Gachagua is pushing for the reversal of some Kenya Kwanza policies to fend off rebellion and unite the region.
As part of his strategy, Gachagua has started to address concerns about the multi-billion avocado subsector, promising to form a task force to address concerns and make the sub-sector lucrative.
“The task force will work in earnest and come up with remedies in 30 days so we agree on what needs to be done. As an administration, we are ready to engage with stakeholders and ensure farmers are happy,” Gachagua said at his Karen residence.
Recently there has been an uproar from farmers over taxation targeting cash crops that form the Mt Kenya region's economic mainstay, especially avocado and coffee.
Gachagua is also trying to reassure the region that the coffee subsector will not lose money, even as he sustains radical plans to revive the sector.
On Wednesday, Gachagua hinted at state plans to write off debts owed by coffee cooperative societies, another initiative to appease Mt Kenya farmers.
Speaking when he commissioned the Murang’a Coffee Mill on Wednesday, Gachagua stated he will spearhead talks with the Ministry of Cooperatives to scrutinise debts owed by farmers.
"Within three weeks, vetting the debts will be over and farmers should expect good news,'' Gachagua said.
The DP's coffee and avocado interventions come against a backdrop of concerns from Mt Kenya farmers.
Besides farming, Gachagua has also triggered discussions about his efforts to unite the region following the 2022 divisive general elections.
"I am extending my hand to the esteemed elders of Mt Kenya, including former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda, among others," Gachagua said in an interview with a local TV station.
He outlined plans for meetings with leaders aimed at fostering regional unity.
Gachagua's recent initiatives highlight his determination to rally the region together and mitigate internal conflicts that could undermine its bargaining power in the 2027 general election.
Elders, representing Azimio or Kenya Kwanza factions in the 2022 polls, were significantly divided.
For instance, GEMA Council of Elders and the Kikuyu Council of Elders supported Azimio’s Raila Odinga while the Kiama Kiama elders’ Council led by patron Kung’u Muigai was the only one in support of Ruto.
The elders had initially cautioned against supporting Ruto and his deputy Gachagua.
However, they later changed their stance and declared support for the president after he won the election.
Political analysts and senior politicians in the region view Gachagua's initiative as a significant step towards reconciliation.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu during an interview with the Star stated that Gachagua's outreach to elders signals a proactive approach to healing the post-election divisions.
“Buffalos don’t walk in a herd because they love each other but because they can ward off any danger ahead, hence, the Mount Kenya region,” he said.
Muriu said an all-inclusive decision-making processes is needed to ensure all voices are heard and respected within the region, irrespective of political affiliation.
"Gachagua's willingness to engage with elders, regardless of their previous affiliations, demonstrates a commitment to unity and stability within the region. This could potentially bridge the gaps between different factions and pave the way for collective progress,” he stated.
JKUAT don and political analyst Charles Mwangi agreed with Muriu.
"Gachagua's aggressive unity efforts signal a strong commitment to addressing the post-election divisions in Mt Kenya. Collaborating with elders, who hold considerable influence in the region, is a strategic move towards reconciliation," he said.
Kiamwangi MCA Kung’u Smart said the involvement of elders in Gachagua's unity efforts is positive.
He said that by engaging with them, Gachagua aims to bridge the political divides and pave the way for collective progress.
“Deputy President Gachagua's proactive approach to engaging with Mt Kenya elders demonstrates a commitment to healing the region's divisions and forging a path towards unity," Kung’u said.
Kamahuha MCA aspirant Gilbert Maina, popularly known as Maina Baba, expressed skepticism about the potential outcome of Gachagua's collaboration with elders.
He argued the elders themselves are much divided and thus it will take him considerable time and effort for them to speak in one voice.
"While unity is crucial for the region's development, it remains to be seen whether Gachagua's overtures will resonate with all factions. The deep-rooted divisions that emerged during the election cannot be easily overcome, and it will require genuine dialogue and compromise from all sides to achieve lasting reconciliation,'' he said.
Kung'u Muigai, patron of the Kikuyu elders' Kiama Kiama, has commended Gachagua's initiative but urged prioritising the reconciliation of elders' councils with splinter groups.
He said splinter groups have been moving around, claiming they have Gachagua’s the full support.
“We appreciate Deputy President Gachagua's efforts to unite elders in the Mt Kenya region following the divisive politics of 2022. However, we urge him to prioritise the reconciliation of elders' councils with splinter groups before convening meetings with all elders,'' he said.
Political commentator Joseph Gachane said, "For Gachagua's unity efforts to succeed, it's crucial to ensure all voices are heard and respected within the Mt Kenya region. This inclusivity will foster trust and contribute to sustainable reconciliation.''
Wachira Kiago, the Kikuyu Council of Elders’ national chairman, earlier told the Star the region will fully rally behind Gachagua as the senior politician in the region.
“We are fully behind anyone who is preaching the unity of the Mountain, he said, and that is why we are fully behind Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
