National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah has publicly told off Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his unity bid asking him to stop preaching regional politics.
Ichung’wah told the DP that he is a leader holding a national office and he should seek to unite all Kenyans instead of those from his community alone.
“If we truly believe that we hold offices that bestow on you the role of being a symbol of national unity, seek to unite the people of Kenya not the people of Mt Kenya,” he said.
“If I am the leader of the majority in the republic of Kenya, I am not the leader of the majority in Mt Kenya alone, I should seek to unite the people of Kenya,” he added.
But speaking at a separate event in Naivasha on the same day, Gachagua defended his unity call saying it is not after antagonising anyone.
Gachagua warned against the creation of nonexistent narratives regarding his unity calls saying his focus is to ensure the whole country is united.
"I am on record as a great peacemaker. The unity we are calling for is not against anybody, it is the unity of purpose. The unity we are calling for is the unity of Kenya and we are doing it bottom up," Gachagua said.
Ichung’wah also took issue with Gachagua’s recent remarks that those opposed to his unity initiative should cease discussing him in other regions and instead do so in Mt Kenya.
Gachagua who was speaking in Nyeri challenged them to address their concerns within the Mt Kenya region.
"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.
But, according to the Kikuyu MP, respect can only be earned and not demanded adding he will not tire of speaking about any part of the country.
“If you are a national leader, I must earn the respect of other leaders,” he stated.
“We are being told that everyone in Mt Kenya, including elected leaders, should follow one person to be taken where he wants. If you want to unite Mt. Kenya, you should do so within the Kenya Kwanza government,” he added.