- Gachagua continued with his message of unity in the Mount Kenya region, asking residents to work together and ignore the politics of succession.
- As Gachagua was warning about premature succession politics, some of his critics met in Eldoret to strategize how to tame him.
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had a packed diary during the week even as his critics held talks to plan how to tame him.
Gachagua fired a warning at a section of Mt Kenya leaders whom he said have been going against the interests of the region.
He said such 'rebels' risk being kicked out of office in the 2027 general elections.
The DP said the Mt Kenya residents have put the said leaders on notice adding that their fate will be sealed soon if they do not change.
"As we prepare ahead of the 2027 elections, take note that the coming election will be very competitive. You know I am that person who listens to the ground. Some serious decisions have already been made," Gachagua said as he started the week.
Gachagua spoke at the wedding ceremony of Paul Wetosi and Jacinta Wanjiru, daughter of Juja MP George Koimburi, at the Juja Preparatory School grounds in Kiambu County.
At the same time, Gachagua continued with his message of unity in the Mount Kenya region, asking residents to work together and ignore the politics of succession.
Succession politics
The DP revisited succession politics and warned MPs from the region to go slow on the clamour and instead focus on development and interests that affect the people.
While attending a funeral in Kiambu County on Wednesday, Gachagua called on the leaders from Mount Kenya to shun succession politics.
"What I'm calling for is unity of purpose, and we should stop fighting each other," Gachagua said.
At the same time, Gachagua told the region that he had no problem with the formation of the broad-based government.
"A time will come and I will talk, and I know you will listen to me, support leaders who are pushing for the interests of the community," Gachagua said.
As Gachagua was warning about premature succession politics, some of his critics met in Eldoret to strategise.
The MPs, led by Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, said Gachagua has no option but to accept the new political arrangement and stop undermining Ruto.
The lawmakers met with more than 300 representatives of the Kikuyu community to allegedly discuss matters of national unity.
Other MPs present were Joseph Wainaina (nominated), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), John Kiragu (Limuru), and Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri Town).
“I will also text Gachagua and tell him to value unity and get used to working with the President in the new political arrangement,” Kiunjuri said.
“We all need to support the President and the broad-based government because it has helped to bring all Kenyans on board. This country belongs to all of us and we must live to tolerate each other."
Light moment with ex-CS Moses Kuria
During the week, the DP also had light moments with former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.
While Kuria echoed Gachagua's sentiments and called for unity, the ex-CS warned that there was no need for the region to be divided because of succession politics.
"The error of the politics of succession should not divide the community,'' he said.
Gachagua said that he wishes Kuria well even as he moves on to other things, insisting that the ex-CS should relax as when one door closes, another opens.
"My brother Moses Kuria, relax. Hakuna mlango wanafunga bila kufungua ingine (No door closes without another opening). We wish you well," the DP said.
Support President Ruto
During the week, Gachagua met National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and asked them to closely supervise the implementation of government programmes and projects in their areas of jurisdiction.
Gachagua said the officers are representatives of President Ruto on the ground and must assume the responsibility of ensuring the projects do not stall under their watch and are delivered as planned.
“It is your responsibility to protect the dignity of the person of the President. When the President has launched a project and the contractor has abandoned the site after one week, the dignity of the person of the President is put into question," the DP said.
"You have a responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen, and if it happens, you must inform the respective Principal Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for necessary interventions to be made.”
Gachagua spoke at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete on Tuesday when he accompanied Ruto for an engagement with the officers drawn across the country.