Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-10 18:45:18
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his political rival Ndindi Nyoro from the Mt Kenya region have made a display of political solidarity, signaling a shift towards unity in the vote-rich region. The two leaders, whose rivalry had previously heightened political tensions and threatened to divide the region, came together for a harambee in Kigumo, Murang’a County.
At the event, Gachagua and Nyoro exchanged pleasantries, sending a calming message to their supporters, and speakers at the event emphasized the importance of unity and support for President Ruto’s administration. This display of camaraderie between the two leaders signifies a significant step towards bridging political divides within the region.
Gachagua emphasized the need for unity and downplayed the succession debate between him and the Kiharu MP, labelling it as immature. He highlighted his extensive political experience, having worked with former Presidents Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta. Gachagua called for an end to the debate and signaled his readiness to mentor young leaders to take over once his leadership with Ruto was over.
The MPs allied to Nyoro had previously sparked the debate by calling for Gachagua’s replacement as Dr. Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 polls, with Nyoro being touted as the best candidate to replace him. However, at the harambee event, Nyoro expressed unconditional support for Gachagua and President Ruto, pledging to support their leadership and the agricultural sub-sector reforms.
The Deputy President also called for unity between the Rift Valley and Mt Kenya regions, with over 100 MPs from both Kenya Kwanza and Jubilee Party in attendance endorsing the push for unity. Several MPs criticized Nyoro for causing division in the region, while Gachagua cautioned against divisive and succession politics, urging leaders to focus on national development and unity.
The leaders present at the event, including MPs and party officials from various parts of the country, accompanied the Deputy President for the fundsdrive event held at Bishop Gatimu Kinyona Girls School in Murang’a County. The massive turnout of 117 leaders was described as sending a strong message of unity and commitment to President Ruto’s administration.
In his address to the MPs, the Deputy President emphasized the importance of unity and called for a focus on socioeconomic development, cautioning against divisive politics that could cause divisions and hinder progress. He also urged leaders to shun intra-county politics and advised them to work towards uniting the people for the greater good of the country.
The event also saw members of the Jubilee Party, including acting party leader Sabina Chege and Secretary-General Kanini Kega, expressing their commitment to working with the Kenya Kwanza administration. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah praised the Deputy President for embracing leaders from different political divides and promoting unity.
Overall, the harambee event showcased a significant shift towards political camaraderie and unity within the Mt Kenya region, with leaders from various political parties emphasizing the importance of supporting President Ruto’s administration and working towards national development and unity.
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