• The DP's allies say the Ruto-Raila deal has led to Rigathi being disrespected
• Gachagua however said nobody will push him out of government
Image: DPCS
MPs allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have threatened a mass walkout from the ruling outfit over what they term blatant disrespect to the second in command.
Speaking during a church service at St Patrick’s ACK Church Kayole attended by Gachagua yesterday, the MPs singled out National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
The Kikuyu MP has been critical of the Deputy President, sometimes hitting at him in presidential functions.
The MPs accused him of leading and coordinating campaigns to malign Gachagua.
“If intimidation will not end, then people we will leave silently like in the last government. I am seeing the same trend happening now,” Embakasi Central MP Mejjadonk Benjamin said.
Also present were Mary Wamaua (Maragwa), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Kamande Mwafrika (Roysambu), Edward Muriu (Gatanga), Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and former Laikipia Woman Representative Catherine Muruguru.
The lawmakers, mainly from Mt Kenya, claimed there is a sinister scheme to discredit Gachagua in the face of the current political marriage between President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
“It cannot be that we are bringing the second family so that we disrespect our mother. It is impossible,” Mejjadonk said.
Nyutu added: “We have a second wife who is loved more than the second wife. We must stand up to ensure our mother who is the first wife is not mistreated and intimidated.”
Gachagua however downplayed claims that he is being pushed to the edge by the broad-based government.
He said his place within the Kenya Kwanza government is secure despite his boss bringing on board ODM bigwigs.
"There is no way I can move even an inch. Those the president has brought on board from ODM, we welcome them and let us work together,” Gachagua said.
"The coming in of new people cannot displace the ones who are there."
The MPs also challenged the President to clear the air whether the coordinated attacks against his deputy have his blessings.
Maragwa MP Mary Wamaua said the Majority leader position is a big seat and should unite them but Ichung’wah was using it to attack other people.
“Mr President, you called us to a meeting after the Murang’a tour and told us you don’t want to hear anything about impeachment and the issue stopped," she said.
"Why is it that Ichung’wah is attacking the DP in front of you?”
Muriu linked Gachagua’s woos to his push to safeguard Mt Kenya's interest in the broad-based government.
“Righathi Gachagua has been put on trial, his crime is bringing Mt. Kenya together. Riggy G, if you are guilty, then I am guilty, too,” the Gatanga MP said.
He also told off Ichung’wah for trying to create a wedge between the two leaders, whom he noted must work together.
“The President and his deputy were voted for on one ticket, they are like Siamese twins,” Murui said.
"You cannot disparage the DP and at the same time saying you are supporting the President."
Gakuya faulted the President for leaving out Nairobi when giving out Cabinet Secretary slots.
“Nairobi we gave 600,000 votes, we cannot get even a single Cabinet slot. It can’t be business as usual,” the Embakasi North MP said.