Gachagua: Mt Kenya people are forgiving, but they don't forget

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagu has reiterated his earlier call on leaders to respect the people of Mt Kenya.

Without directly mentioning anyone, Gachagua reminded them that “the people from the region are very forgiving but they don’t forget”.

Speaking during the interdenominational funeral service for the 21 Hillside Academy victims at Mweiga stadium, Gachagua said the people from the region should be treated with the kindness they deserve.

“These people were there, they are there today and they will be there tomorrow. I appeal to everybody to treat the people of the mountain with kindness because it is the right thing to do,” he stated.

Gachagua who was among a host of leaders present during the solemn service also delivered President William Ruto’s condolence message.

Others present were Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga among the local leaders.

In his statement, Ruto gave an undertaking that the government will continue to support the families of those affected even as the investigation into the incident continues.

He expressed his deep sympathies to the families of those who perished including the school community at large.

“May we be comforted by the word of the Lord in the book of Psalm 34:18-The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit,” he said.

President Ruto also called for strict compliance with boarding regulations in all learning institutions across the country to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.

DAP-K party leader Wamalwa assured Gachagua of his support amid what he termed as plans to divide the Mt Kenya region.

Wamalwa who was speaking during the interdenominational funeral service for the 21 Hillside Academy victims said they are going to fully stand behind the region.

He said they are aware of rumours of a plan to now divide the region following that of the opposition.

According to him, the region has friends and those planning to wreak havoc in the region should be warned.

"We want to remind those behind trying to ignite a fire in the mountain that they should know this mountain has friends," he said.

He said:

“When you see Kalonzo here, he is a friend of the mountain, he was the vice president of late president Mwai Kibaki during his first term...When you see Wamalwa here, Wamalwa was the Kibaki’s vice president during the first term,” he said.

“Just know we are your friends. If the day comes and this mountain calls upon us we will stand with you, you will not walk alone,” he added.

Kahiga on his part noted that "for every action, there will be a reaction'.