Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked for forgiveness from the people of Mt. Kenya for what he termed as misleading them ahead of the 2022 General Election. Speaking at Ol-Kalou Full Gospel Church during the consecration service of Bishop George Gathari as the new presiding Bishop of the FGC Central Kenya Region, Gachagua expressed regret over past political choices but maintained that the community would not forget betrayal.
Gachagua, who was accompanied by several leaders allied to him, stated that while he was willing to forgive those who wronged him, the experiences have been a learning lesson for the region. Using a metaphor, he said, “Mambo ya kondoo, Mungu pekee ndio anajua; watu wa Mlima tulijifanya tunajua kondoo kumbe alikuwa fisi amevaa ngozi ya kondoo.” (Matters of sheep, only God knows; we in the mountain thought we knew the sheep, yet it turned out to be a hyena in sheep’s clothing.)
The former DP emphasized that although forgiveness is possible, forgetting is not, particularly when it comes to those who betrayed the region’s interests. He alluded to campaign promises that never materialized, stating, “Some of them said they would put money in our pockets, but they ended up taking what was already in our pockets.” Additionally, he accused the government of abducting and harming innocent youths, saying that such injustices could not be forgiven.
Gachagua also sought to reassure his political allies who have been sidelined in parliamentary leadership positions, urging them not to be discouraged. “Don’t be worried if you are removed from chairmanship positions. As long as the people are happy with you, you don’t have a problem,” he told them.
Accompanying Gachagua at the event were Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, and MPs Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), and Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), among others. The leaders voiced concerns over the Kenya Kwanza government’s plans to open Kenya’s borders, arguing that such a move could lead to an influx of undocumented immigrants and pose security risks.
Ngogoyo cautioned against the move, saying, “If we open our borders without thorough scrutiny, we may face serious problems. Even when our youth apply for IDs or passports, they undergo vetting to prevent illegal aliens from acquiring Kenyan documents.”
Gachagua’s remarks are the latest indication of deepening political realignments in the Mt. Kenya region as leaders reposition themselves ahead of future elections.
