Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized President William Ruto for attempting to divide the Mt Kenya region, claiming this was key to his impeachment. He reiterated the importance of regional unity for negotiating national resources and targeted MPs who backed his removal. The issue of governance and abductions in the region were also highlighted during a recent funeral service that saw heightened tensions between mourners and the President.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of attempting to divide the Mt Kenya region. Gachagua, who faced impeachment in October 2024, claims that his resistance to Ruto’s plans to bifurcate the region into East and West led to his removal from office. He announced that the proposed division would categorize Central Kenya as the West and Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties as the East.
At the funeral service for Eric Mutugi, the son of former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, Gachagua affirmed his commitment to preventing divisive actions that weaken the region’s negotiation power for national resources. Regardless of his impeachment, he reassured the community that Mt Kenya is united and vigilant against supporting leadership lacking accountability. He also criticized certain Members of Parliament from the Mt Kenya area who supported his impeachment, suggesting they had been misled and would consequently face consequences in future elections.
Additionally, Gachagua raised alarms about the alleged abduction of Billy Munyiri Mwangi in Embu, insisting the government must account for Mwangi, whether the individual is found alive or deceased. Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi echoed Gachagua’s appeal, highlighting the systemic marginalization of Mt Kenya East concerning development initiatives and political positions. The mood at the funeral escalated when mourners rejected President Ruto’s condolences, leading Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi to deliver messages directly without formal readings.
Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, who led the service, prayed for an end to such abductions, calling for peace and emphasizing the need to address rising abductions and mysterious disappearances. Eric Mutugi, an Information Technology consultant, was laid to rest in Kanyuambora, leaving behind his wife and two children, underscoring the significant loss felt within the community.
The ongoing political landscape in Kenya showcases tensions surrounding the Mt Kenya region and its leadership dynamics. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s remarks highlight the divisions and disagreements on governance in Central Kenya. His impeachment has further intensified debates about regional unity and the push for equitable development, particularly in light of recent controversies involving perceived governmental failures and regional representation. This backdrop of discontent establishes a critical context for Gachagua’s criticisms of President Ruto and the current administration’s policies.
The situation surrounding Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment underscores significant divisions within Kenyan politics, particularly regarding the Mt Kenya region. Gachagua’s opposition to President Ruto’s proposed regional division illustrates broader concerns about political accountability and unity in the face of adversity. His calls for solidarity against governmental attempts at fragmentation resonate with community sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of collaborative efforts in advocating for the region’s interests.
Original Source: mwakilishi.com
