Former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru has recently issued a strong rebuke to Mount Kenya leaders who have been critical of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In her remarks, Waruguru called for a cessation of attacks against Gachagua, highlighting that many of the MPs now criticizing him were beneficiaries of his support during the 2022 elections.
Waruguru’s comments underscore the ongoing tension within the Mt Kenya political landscape, where divisions have emerged regarding the role and influence of Deputy President Gachagua. She emphasized that Gachagua was a crucial figure in rallying votes for President William Ruto’s administration, suggesting that the current backlash against him is both unjust and ungrateful.
“Some leaders in Mt Kenya spend their time from morning to evening insulting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. It’s disheartening to see the same individuals who benefitted from his support now disparaging him,” Waruguru stated. She made it clear that Gachagua’s role should not be conflated with that of President Ruto. According to Waruguru, Gachagua should not be held accountable for the country’s broader issues as he is not the primary decision-maker but rather a supportive figure in Ruto’s administration.
Waruguru’s criticism extends beyond mere political squabbles. She voiced concerns about the integrity of the Mt Kenya community’s political influence, asserting that the MPs’ actions could undermine the region’s position within the national government. She reminded the leaders of Gachagua’s tireless efforts during the election campaign, asserting that his contributions should be recognized rather than dismissed.
“It cannot be that we contributed to the election of this administration and then we are kicked out or we leave. We must stand by our contributions and expectations,” Waruguru said. Her comments reflect a broader frustration with the perceived lack of respect and acknowledgment for the role that Mt Kenya played in securing the current administration.
The former Woman Representative also cautioned Mt Kenya voters against being deceived by leaders who may not have their best interests at heart. “I ask you, Mt Kenya community, why do you like being lied to so much? Why do you hate people who tell you the truth? When I tell you the truth, you say I am insulting people,” Waruguru remarked, suggesting that a deeper, more honest dialogue is necessary for the community’s political health.
This internal conflict has been exacerbated by the recent shift among over 60 UDA MPs from the Mt Kenya region and Nairobi, who have distanced themselves from Gachagua and instead aligned with Interior CS Kithure Kindiki. These MPs argue that their new alliance with Kindiki is a strategic move to ensure that the region does not suffer from stalled development projects.
Their dissatisfaction stems from what they perceive as a lack of progress and development in the region, which they attribute to Gachagua’s alleged inefficacy. This realignment indicates a fracture within the UDA party and raises questions about the future cohesion of President Ruto’s support base.
In summary, Waruguru’s call for unity and respect towards Gachagua highlights the complexities of intra-party and intra-regional politics. Her defense of Gachagua is not merely a plea for personal respect but a broader appeal for recognizing and valuing the contributions of individuals who played a significant role in achieving political victories. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the resolution of these conflicts will be crucial in determining the effectiveness and stability of President Ruto’s administration and the Mt Kenya region’s role within it.
