Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called out leaders from Mt Kenya opposed to his unity initiative to cease discussing him in Western and Rift Valley regions.
Speaking on Wednesday, Gachagua instead challenged them to address their concerns within Mt Kenya region.
The DP was speaking after visiting former Mukurwe-ini MP Anthony Githiaka Kiai at his rural home in Gikondi Village, Nyeri County.
Gachagua had joined the family of Kiai for a memorial service following the untimely passing of his daughter, Elizabeth Muthoni.
Gachagua urged the public to disregard leaders who are against his efforts for unity and growth.
"If you think the talks of unity aren't good, don't talk in Rift Valley or Western. Come here and call for a gathering and tell the people why unity isn't good," Gachagua said.
"They should come and speak from here, don’t speak from far. I want to advise our leaders with tremendous respect, please our leaders, all politics is local, listen to your people, listen to the ground," he said.
He pointed out that some leaders are attempting to fight unity, clarifying that his push for regional unity is not tribal as alleged.
Gachagua called on leaders to align their thinking with the people's desires, affirming his ongoing commitment to listening to the people for the sake of regional growth.
"Align your thinking and your utterances with the people, that is what I do all the time. I listen to the ground, I align myself with the ground at any one time and I have never gotten it wrong in my political life," the DP said.
Gachagua stressed that the Mt Kenya region's unity is not against any individual but for the region's benefits, enabling it to enjoy support from the government.
While addressing residents at Gikondi Shopping Centre in Nyeri, Gachagua expressed his gratitude to the residents for electing the Kenya Kwanza government.
He assured them that the government would waive their coffee debts and bring developments to the area, noting that the entire Mount Kenya region would significantly benefit if they worked together in unity.
"Our unity is our strength, and we should be speaking in one voice. I'm happy for Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga for speaking out what people on the ground are saying. Let us not be divided by our opponents," Gachagua stated.
Governor Kahiga echoed Gachagua's sentiments, declaring that they would not allow any disrespect towards the Deputy President.
"We know very well that DP Gachagua is helping the President in reforms, including coffee. If they fight him, let them know that we are the remnants of the Mau Mau, and we won't allow any disrespect," Kahiga said.
