Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has commended President William Ruto for his efforts in fostering national unity through the creation of a broad-based government. Speaking during the Maa Community’s 25th Interministries Union prayers at Inkinyie Primary and Junior Secondary School grounds in Kajiado Central, Kajiado County, Gachagua emphasized the significance of inclusivity in governance as a means to bridge divisions and build friendships across various communities in Kenya.
Gachagua highlighted that President Ruto’s approach to governance has been instrumental in opening up the country for dialogue and collaboration, even with those who were once political opponents. He praised the President for reconstituting an inclusive government, which he believes is essential for national cohesion and unity.
“The President has done well in opening up Kenya for talks, allowing us to seek friendship from across the country. Next week, he will be in the Nyanza region, seeking friendship. That is the way to go,” Gachagua stated, signaling the government’s commitment to reaching out to all regions and communities in Kenya.
The Deputy President addressed the challenges he has faced in his quest for unity within the Mt Kenya region, acknowledging that his intentions were sometimes misunderstood. He questioned how national unity could be achieved without first uniting individual communities, particularly in regions like Mt Kenya.
“Some people misunderstood my call for unity in the Mt Kenya Region. How can you unite Kenya before uniting the community? How can I ask the Maa to unite when I have not done the same with my people? For us to get national cohesion, and for the country to be one, all communities must come together first, then we have one nation,” he said.
Gachagua reiterated his commitment to fostering traditional friendships between the Mt Kenya communities and the Maa community as part of a broader initiative to strengthen national unity. He pointed to Kajiado County as an example of how political differences need not define the people, noting that the county is governed by leaders from both the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance and the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, yet remains united in its development goals.
He urged the Maa community to continue standing behind their leaders, regardless of their political affiliations, and emphasized the importance of respecting their leaders. Gachagua asserted that a united community would command greater respect at the national level and be better positioned to influence national discourse.
“Let nobody mislead you to disrespect your leaders. Do not insult them. When they come to the national level, they will be respected because they come from a united community. I am very happy that you have put political differences aside and united behind your leaders. Your relevance in the national discourse will be informed by your unity as a community,” Gachagua advised.
The Deputy President also assured the people of Kajiado that they would not be left out of the government’s development agenda. He cited his collaboration with Kajiado Governor Joseph Lenku during the recent drought, where they worked together to ensure no lives were lost to famine, as an example of the government’s commitment to the region.
“This is your Government. You will not be in trouble as long as the President is in charge. During the drought, I worked with Governor Joseph Lenku and we ensured nobody died out of famine. No work will stagnate. The road from Illast to Rombo will be completed as the President promised. It will be built. The road will open up the area up to Taveta to ease movement,” Gachagua promised, responding to concerns raised by local leaders about the state of infrastructure in the region.
He concluded by underscoring the importance of peace and stability among communities in Kajiado County, noting that such conditions are vital for attracting investors and driving development. The Interministries Prayers Conference, which Gachagua attended, brought together various communities within the Maa region, including the Maasai, Samburu, Ilchamus, and others, all united in their pursuit of peace and progress.
