Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has assured his supporters in the Mt. Kenya region that he won't quit politics yet, even as he called for calm.
While his allies urged him to move on and form a political party ahead of the 2027 elections, Mr Gachagua called on Mt Kenya residents to give President William Ruto time to deliver on the promises they made in 2022.
Speaking at Kiamwathi Anglican Church in Kirinyaga County on November 2, 2024, during the funeral service of Anna Wanjiru, grandmother of Baragwi MCA David Mathenge, Mr Gachagua said there was anxiety and confusion in the region after he was impeached.
He lamented that his removal had been rushed without any justification and vowed to fight for his political survival.
"I'm not quitting politics, my political ambition is unstoppable and I ask my people who feel as if they have been left without a leader to be patient. I will soon show them the political route to follow," he said.
He, however, asked his supporters to prepare for the next election with the events of 2024 in mind.
"Religious leaders, residents and professionals have been calling on me saying the region has been left without a spokesperson. They want me to declare my political stand. I want to tell them I'm holding discussions with opinion leaders and I will give them a clear direction at the right time," he said.
Accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, the former DP assured the residents that he would not abandon them.
"I will show you the way forward. I want our people not to fear at all. God is faithful and can't be defeated," he said.
Mr Gachagua defended his development track record saying he worked hard to improve the agriculture sector.
“I was allocated the work of reforming the coffee sector by President William Ruto. I worked competently and the Coffee Bill is pending in the National Assembly. I ask the MPs to use the same speed they used to impeach me, in passing the Coffee Bill," he said.
He added, "If we don't unite, then we shall be finished politically. I was impeached because we could not unite and this is a very serious matter.”
Gachagua's allies lamented the lack of a political party, adding to their political woes.
"We are now wise after the tribulations our leader Gachagua went through. We should have our own political vehicle so that we are not treated as strangers. Borrowed property is not good at all," said Kirinyaga Senator James Murango.
The senator assured Mr Gachagua that local leaders will stand with him as he prepares for a major political comeback.
"When you call us, we shall be available and support your political ambitions, we shall not buy fear from political foes," said Mr Murango.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina said the Mt Kenya region will only be safe politically if it has its own political outfit.
She asked Mr Gachagua to reach out to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to form a formidable force that will bring about a change of leadership in the country.
Mr Mathenge said it was sad that the United Democratic Alliance party did not spare Mr Gachagua and asked Mt Kenya people to ditch it.
"We should have our political party. If Gachagua had a political party, he would not have been kicked out of power," said Mr Mathenge.
Gachagua's lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, expressed confidence that the court would quash Prof. Kindiki's appointment as deputy president.
"We are still in court and all will be well, we shall go up to the Supreme Court to ensure Gachagua is reinstated to his position," said Mr Njiru.
They spoke even as four governors appealed for the unity of the Mt Kenya region a day after Prof Kithure Kindiki took the office of the deputy president.
Meanwhile, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, a close ally of Mr Gachagua, said they were ready to move on after the impeachment of the former deputy president. He urged President William Ruto not to abandon Nyeri.
“Removing Gachagua from the office of deputy president does not mean Nyeri is no longer on the map of Kenya. We voted for this government and our votes are still relevant. We are asking the President not to abandon us,” Mr Kahiga said.
The event, which was presided over by Bishop Paul Wanjohi, was attended by Wajir Governor and Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi, Stephen Sang (Nandi), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka-Nithi) and Prof Hillary Barchok (Bomet).
Mr Kahiga recently graduated with a Doctorate Degree in Leadership and Education Management from the Kenya Methodist University.
Governor Sang urged his Nyeri counterpart to offer leadership and ensure that the Mt Kenya region remains united despite recent political developments
Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, in reference to the swearing-in of Prof Kithure Kindiki on Friday, asked Nyeri residents not to cry over “spilt milk” and instead focus on the future.
“What happened yesterday (Friday) is not retrievable. We cannot cry over spilt milk. Let us not think that we can reverse what happened. Let’s focus on building our nation Kenya is going forward,” Mr Cheboi said
Governor Njuki tried to downplay any animosity among Mt Kenya residents over the removal of DP Gachagua and elevation of Prof Kindiki, saying the two were "neighbours and good friends".
“My good friends from Nyeri are our immediate neighbours. Let us not allow what has happened to divide us. We share common problems and should not be divided because of politics,” he said.
