- Njuki said the Mt Kenya region risks losing out on government goodies if Gachagua continues to champion a different path from that of the President.
- His remarks came just days after MCAs from MT Kenya backed Kindiki as their link to the Kenya Kwanza government.
Njuki said the Mt Kenya region risks losing out on government goodies if Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua continues to champion a different path from that of the President.
Image: COG/X
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has supported the backing of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as Mt Kenya's point man in government.
The governor asked the DP to mend his relationship with President William Ruto, saying, as things stand, they would rather use Kindiki as the link between them and the government as opposed to the president’s principle assistant.
“That’s why we are telling our Deputy President, whom I love so much; let him work on his relationship with the President. And I support our MCAs [and] MPs for saying they have appended their signature acknowledging that Kindiki be the point man,” he said.
Njuki said the Mt Kenya region risks losing out on government goodies if the Deputy President continues to champion a different path from that of the President.
“So if it’s Kindiki who has access to the President and delivers our message, how will we refuse to say he’s the man? he posed.
The Health Committee chair of the Council of Governors was speaking during a public function in Tharaka Nithi County on Friday.
His remarks came just days after MCAs from Murang’a, Kiambu, Nairobi, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Isiolo, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi counties backed the Interior CS as their link to the Kenya Kwanza government.
Their announcement came days after a group of 48 MPs from Mt Kenya endorsed Kindiki as their intermediary with the national government, saying Kindiki was best placed to champion their region’s development concerns.
Njuki echoed their sentiments, saying Kindiki will be at the table to speak for the Mt Kenya region on matters of development.
He said this wouldn’t be possible if they relied on the DP.
“When they [development] are being shared, all we will be doing is just stare because the one we sent isn’t there. Let us send people who have access, and I have said he [Gachagua] is my friend, but we must send people who deliver the message. This is not a time where you can leave government even for just a second’ whatever you would be asking for will go,” Njuki said.
The governor said they worked so hard to put the Kenya Kwanza government in office for them to now let ‘outsiders' enjoy the fruits of their labour.
“If you don’t want to go for it, there are others who will come and take it. So if you see us following the President, we are not fools. We can’t look for a government with a lot of hardship and then take a detour in the bush for others who just came the other day to benefit,” he said.
Gachagua is facing growing isolation amid an alleged impeachment motion, which has served to further alienate him in government and has somewhat resorted to fighting back by endearing himself to the voters through public rallies.
On Friday, he interacted with city residents and traders at Marikiti Market, where he blasted those spoiling to remove him from office.
“That type of politics will spoil this country, citizens made a choice on the ballot, and after five years they will go back to the ballot box. This is the time to work, not to plan politics in hotels. If you want to fight Rigathi Gachagua, don’t go to hotels, come here to Marikiti and tell these people you have a problem,” he said.