The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has now dropped the Kenya Kwanza hardline position in opposing the flopped one-man-one-shilling-one-vote agenda pushed by the opposition’s Azimio One Kenya Coalition rekindling the debate, this time round, in its favour.
The unprecedented turn-around to back the aborted revenue share push championed by the then president, retired president Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga comes in the wake of impending Limuru III meeting bringing together all leaders from the larger Mount Kenya region in a bipartisan approach.
Gachagua’s move also seems to be a paradigm shift from the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party policy push largely seen to benefit the Central Kenya region and which they vehemently campaigned against in the run-up to the 2022 presidential polls.
Yesterday, speaking during the Consecration of Assistant Bishop Dr John Kimani Nthiga at ACK Cathedral of St. Peter’s Mbeere Diocese in Siakago town, Embu county, the DP categorically stated that he is now backing the one-man-one-shilling-one vote mantra.
The principal assistant to president William Ruto said that he will push for the adoption of the one-man-one-shilling formula to ensure equity and fairness in allocation of funds to the counties.
Gachagua added that the said the formula is critical for development in Mt Kenya region, adding he was a leading proponent of the formula.
“In matters of revenue sharing, I am a believer, a proponent of one-man-one-vote-one-shilling. Resources are about the people. The whole issue of resources is about the people. The more you are, the more taxes you pay. It goes without saying, the more taxes you pay, the more you should get.” The DP added.
He observed that the formula is a development agenda that must be pursued for the region to get an equitable share of the shareable allocation.
“We have no apologies to make. We want equality and equity. We want fairness in sharing of revenue. We will be pushing that agenda not because we come from a region that has a high population but because it is the right thing to do.” He added.
He also said the region deserved a share of the equalisation Fund for the benefit of areas that deserved it for development.
“I agree on the need to allocate funds from the Equalization Fund. We have areas in this region like Mbeere, Kieni, Ndeiya that are literally semi-arid and have been forgotten. We must work on this so they receive these funds,” indicated the DP.
The Consecration was presided over by ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit.
Among the Mt. Kenya leaders present during the service include; Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Senator Alex Mundigi, MPs Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North), Nebart Muriuki (Mbeere South), Eric Karemba (Runyenjes), County MP Pamela Njoki, Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta), Martha Wangari (Gilgil), former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku, MCAs among others.
The Deputy President also emphasized on the importance of unity in Mt Kenya saying it is the best thing they have as a region in pursuit of development.
“Let us all be united. The strength of this region; politically, economically and socially lies in our unity. We must always be united.” He said.
Governor Mbarire said the region deserved more resources because of the huge contribution it is making to the growth of the country’s economy.
“We must push for the one-man-one-vote-one-shilling formula because this region makes the biggest contribution to the economy. We must also benefit from the Equalisation Fund kitty.” Mbarire said.
Gachagua also asked the National Government Administration Officers not to relent in the war against killer drinks, drugs and substances saying the fight will not stop anytime soon.
“We are winning this battle. We will not allow poisonous drinks and substances that were intended to destroy our people. We are not stopping, not this year, not next year, we will intensify the fight until our country is free of these poisonous drinks.” He reiterated.
The Deputy President later addressed residents of Embu town and Kagumo in Kirinyaga County.
