Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on leaders to set aside divisive politics and focus on delivering development for the people. Speaking during a visit to Nyeri Town after inaugurating the Central Kenya National Show, Gachagua criticized some political leaders for engaging in early campaigns and attempting to divide Kenyans along regional lines.
He emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize service delivery over political rhetoric, stressing that the people of Kenya are tired of incessant political wrangling and instead want to see tangible improvements in their lives.
“I am not for politics but for work. I am focused on working for the people. Ignore and reject the divisive politics, but take note of the actions of each and assess their performance,” Gachagua told the crowd.
Early Campaigns and Divisive Politics
Gachagua’s comments appeared to be a direct rebuke of certain politicians who are already positioning themselves for the 2027 and 2032 elections. He criticized these individuals for abandoning their responsibilities to focus on early political campaigns, which, according to him, are causing unnecessary divisions among Kenyans.
“Some leaders have already started dividing the people into camps and regions. The election is over, and Kenyans do not want politics. They want their leaders to work,” he said.
The Deputy President urged Kenyans to evaluate the performance of their elected leaders and reject those who have shifted their attention to premature political maneuvering instead of fulfilling their mandates.
Development Focus
Gachagua reiterated that the main priority for the Kenya Kwanza government is development. He outlined key areas such as infrastructure development, including roads, electricity, water access, and healthcare services, which the administration aims to improve.
“The people of Kenya want to see roads being built, electricity being extended, and healthcare services being improved. This is what we are focused on delivering,” Gachagua noted, adding that engaging in politics at this time would only derail the progress that Kenyans desperately need.
The Deputy President’s remarks reflect his continued efforts to steer attention away from political battles and towards a unified national agenda. His insistence on focusing on service delivery has become a defining feature of his leadership in Central Kenya, where political divisions have previously threatened to fragment the region’s unity.
Moment of Silence for Nyeri School Fire Victims
In addition to his development message, Gachagua led Nyeri residents in observing a moment of silence in honor of the 21 pupils who tragically lost their lives in a recent fire at Hillside Academy in Endarasha, Nyeri County. The incident deeply affected the local community, and the Deputy President expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
Support from Regional Leaders
Gachagua’s message was reinforced by several leaders from the Mt Kenya region, who accompanied him during the visit. Led by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, the leaders pledged their unwavering support for the Deputy President, positioning him as the most senior political figure in the region.
“We recognize DP Gachagua as our senior-most political leader in the Mt Kenya region,” Governor Kahiga said. “We are concerned because, instead of leaders addressing issues affecting wananchi, they are busy politicking. We shall firmly support the Deputy President.”
Senator Methu echoed similar sentiments, dismissing those who have begun early campaigns for future elections as out of touch with the needs of the people. He emphasized that voters would judge all leaders based on their development record, not their political posturing.
Criticism of Political Schemes
Several MPs who were present during the visit also voiced their concerns about political divisions being sown in the region. They urged the people of Mt Kenya to reject divisive schemes that seek to create factions within the community.
MP James Gakuya (Embakasi North) expressed confidence that the people of the region would not be swayed by such political maneuvers. He stated that efforts to create camps within the Mt Kenya voting bloc would ultimately fail.
“We won’t leave the Kenya Kwanza Administration. We joined it willingly, and we are here to stay. Our people are intelligent, and they are aware of the divisive scheme. The schemers will not succeed. The President and his Deputy are working together,” Gakuya said.
The Way Forward
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s emphasis on unity and development is likely to resonate with many Kenyans who are eager for progress after the prolonged election season. His message signals a shift away from constant politicking toward a more focused, service-oriented governance model that prioritizes the needs of ordinary citizens over partisan interests.
As the Deputy President and his allies rally behind this agenda, the onus is now on other leaders to align their efforts with the development goals that Kenyans have long demanded. For Gachagua, the message is clear: the time for politics has passed; it’s now time to work for the people.
