Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, his wife Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, and their son Kevin Gachagua leave Karen Hospital in Nairobi on October 20, 2024.
Elders from the Mt Kenya region have disapproved of the manner in which former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was bundled out of office, and are now pleading with leaders and other Kenyans to "support him” during the transition.
The elders drawn from the Agikuyu, Embu, Meru and Akamba (Gema) communities said although the ousted DP may have had his faults, he did not deserve the treatment accorded to him by his fellow leaders and the nation at large.
“The work of presidents, DPs, ministers, governors, and other leaders is for a time. It is what you are doing for the nation. But the nation should not throw you out like takataka (rubbish), instead, they should treat you as one of them, as a brother, a sister,” Gema Cultural Association (GCA) Chairperson Lawi Imathiu said.
During a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, the Gema chairperson noted that “life has interesting twists. There are people who have been imprisoned, then you find them again on the political side, having been resurrected.”
The GCA chairperson was flanked by other leaders from both Mt Kenya West and Mt Kenya East communities, including Bishop Bernard Kitungi, former PC Joseph Kaguthi, former minister Bernard Ndotto and Canon Peter Karanja.
The elders appealed to leaders and Kenyans at large to help the former DP and his family to navigate the abrupt changes and allow them to settle peacefully.
“We remember the former DP and wish him well with his family. Do not forget, when people abruptly leave such a job, they feel pain. Families sometimes find it difficult. We are the people to help those who have left such jobs abruptly,” the elders said.
“He (Gachagua) may have not done it well but please, we plead with you to remember him and his family so that he does not feel so lonely. Please Parliament, Senators and Kenyans, do not throw away this young man but help him to move on.”
The leaders also encouraged Gachagua to hold his head high for what he had accomplished during the two years he served as the DP and support the current leadership for the benefit of Kenyans.
The elder reiterated that Mt Kenya remains united despite Gachagua ouster.
Bishop Kitungi said Mt Kenya region would not be dragged into “hairsplitting” leadership wrangles.
“The community is intact as it is. Our community is led through what you call inclusive leadership. Gachagua has been there for only two years but the community has been there all along,” he said.
At the same time, the leaders said they fully support President William Ruto, the new deputy president Kithure Kindiki and the former DP.
“We love them all. They are all our children. Because all three of you are ours, those who are working remember your brothers. Do not throw them in the cold.”
The leaders lauded President Ruto for appointing Prof Kindiki whom they said is yet another son of Central Kenya.
The elders expressed confidence in the Head of State together with his new second-in-command in steering the country through challenging circumstances.
“Your Excellency, President William Ruto, we want to thank you for choosing one young man who is also very capable, called Abraham Kindiki to be the new deputy president,” the leaders said.
Mr Imathiu noted that President Ruto had tried his best to unite the country, considering the prevailing circumstances.
At the same time, he called on the president to be considerate of the plight of Kenyans, reminding him that he is leading a people with diverse needs and they all look up to him.
“The country is facing many challenges but do not be afraid because you believe in God and you are bright enough together with another young person. With all that knowledge you can succeed in making this country better and unite us all.”
While congratulating Prof Kindiki for his new role, the leaders implored him to lead with justice as spelt out in the national anthem and safeguard the freedom of all Kenyans.
“We congratulate Prof Kithure Kindiki for being appointed the new deputy president of the Republic of Kenya,” the leaders said.
“You have a lot of knowledge as a professor, and a lawyer, do not forget what one of the verses in our national anthem says, 'justice be our shield and defender.' We want justice to be the shield and defender of everyone. Every Kenya must be free,” Mr Imathiu said.
Sources who spoke to Nation.Africa on condition of anonymity said retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is still the Mt Kenya kingpin having been installed by community elders who command massive respect in the region.
“Political leadership is totally different from community and cultural leadership. Uhuru Kenyatta is still the Mt Kenya kingpin and everything is under control in Central Kenya,” the leaders said.
