- The DP camped in Rift Valley with major events before ending the week in his Nyeri backyard.
- Gachagua is leading the campaign to reform the tea subsector.
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had a busy week whose key highlight was a mega two-day tea reforms summit in Kericho.
Sunday
On Sunday, the DP joined President William Ruto for a church service at St Mary's Catholic Church, Molo, Nakuru county.
"It was a time to thank God for a peaceful General Election in August 2022 and for the blessings upon our nation and communities. Molo region is home to all communities of our Nation. We thank the people for the peaceful co-existence and unity," the DP said.
Tuesday
On Tuesday the DP led top government officials for a joint funeral service for the 52 victims of the Londiani road tragedy in Kericho.
''We are committed to restoring sanity on our roads,'' the DP said.
The service was also attended by top Rift Valley leaders including politicians and Cabinet Secretaries.
Thursday
On Thursday, Gachagua held a targeted interview with Rift Valley based radio stations as he sustained his grassroots approach in pushing for reforms in the tea sector.
"We will effect the recommendations of the tea summit and ensure 100 per cent implementation,'' the DP said.
He then embarked on a tour of Rift Valley, particularly Kericho where he attended the tea summit.
The DP, who was picked by his boss to spearhead reforms in the subsector, fired a warning salvo against cartels, saying changes are inevitable.
During the two-day summit attended by other top government officials, the Kenya Tea Development Authority Directors, and farmers representatives, concrete proposals were advanced to enhance earnings.
"We carefully listened to the farmers; we heard them; we understood them,'' Gachagua said on July 7.
During the event, Gachagua took time on the sidelines to visit small-holder farmers whom he said have borne the brunt of the unending challenges in the subsector.
"The voice of the grassroots farmer is the spirit driving our quest for lasting and impactful reforms in the Tea Subsector," Gachagua said when he visited Samson Birgen at his farm in Keben village in Belgut Constituency.
"Our commitment and resolve, the farmer must get value out of their farming," he added.
During the visit, the DP did not forget his usual morning meditation as he enjoyed a walk despite the drizzles and the chilly Kericho weather.
Saturday
On Saturday, Gachagua attended the burial of David Muriithi, a man he described as a selfless community leader and mobiliser.
The funeral took place at Giaituu Village, Mathira Constituency in Nyeri County
"He was a committed family man who valued and nurtured societal ethos in those who looked up to him, he was a diligent worker and mentor,'' Gachagua said.