DP Gachagua convene unity meet with Central UDA leaders, Azimio rebels and handful of businessmen

Amid fears of widening political rift within ruling Kenya Kwanza Administration and apparent fallout between president William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua particularly on key government positions on national inclusivity, the latter yesterday hosted elected leaders from the larger Mount Kenya region ostensibly to solidify his political influence.

With a handful of businesspeople drawn from Central Kenya region, at least 50 elected leaders majorly from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and rebel leaders from Azimio One Kenya Coalition, the DP convened a strategy meeting during the closure of the Mt Kenya Golf Festival tournament held at the Nyeri Golf Club yesterday evening.

Among the key agenda of the meeting was to declare support for Gachagua and to jointly forge region’s unity and development agenda.

During the development tour to the Nyanza region, president Ruto said his administration will forge a unitary approach terming those calling for exclusion of others based on party affiliations and voting pattern of the last election as petty and primitive.

And what appeared to be a direct rejoinder to his boss, while attending a church service in Nandi county, the DP said he remains unapologetic to demand larger share for those who voted for this administration.

Yesterday’s meeting backed Gachagua’s unity bid to strengthen president Ruto’s administration.

Among the attendants of the golf festival, which was the first since president Ruto and Gachagua rose to power were rebel members of the Jubilee Party led by retired president Uhuru Kenyatta led by the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Kanini Kega.

“We are delighted by your presence in this forum. We urge you to follow the footsteps of former president Mwai Kibaki, make the golf tournament an annual event. Kibaki was the patron of the club and played golf for 40 years. Continue with his legacy because you are our leader.” Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge said.

Also present was Trade and Investments expert Daniel Wamahiu.

The notable businessmen present were Wachira Maina Keen and Peter Kanyago, embattled former chairperson of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) whose tenure was rocked acrimonious leadership row and protracted law suits over the management of the agency.

They said it was time to forge a united front in the pursuit of interests of the region and supporting president Ruto’s administration.

“We are coming together as Mt Kenya leaders behind the Deputy President to address our political and economic interests such as unemployment.” Kega said.

In his remarks, the Deputy President said that since it was not an electioneering period, the country should be united, promising to consolidate the region for purposes of its growth and development.

“President William Ruto and I want all Kenyans to be one team, one people for the development of this country since the elections are over. In this region, during the last elections, we were divided to a certain extent because 87 per cent voted for president Ruto and 13 per cent voted the other way. The elections are over and I have on record invited those who did not support us to come and work together for our region and country because there is no enmity or quarrel. Election is like a sport and should be taken beyond there.” Gachagua remarked.

He was accompanied by political leaders from his UDA party from the 10 counties in Mt Kenya region led by governors Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Dr Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a), Nyeri Deputy Governor David Kinaniri and Senators Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri), Kamau Murango (Kirinyaga), John Methu (Nyandarua), John Kinyua (Laikipia) Tabitha Karanja (Nakuru) and Veronica Maina (nominated).

On the other hand, among the MPs were Sabina Chege, Jubilee Party’s nominated MP and Minority Whip who is currently fighting to retain her seat in the National Assembly after the High Court okayed her ouster.

Others were Maina Mathenge (Nyeri Town) John Kaguchia (Mukurweini), Wambugu Wainaina (Othaya), Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Mejja Donk Gathiru (Embakasi Central) Peter Kihungi (Kangema), Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu) Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), Kamande Mwafrika (Roysambu), Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Mary Maingi (Mwea), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), Wachira Karani (Laikipia West), Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North) and Gachoki Gitari (Kirinyaga Central).

Also MPs present were; Michael Muchira (Ol Jorok), David Kiaraho (Ol Kalou), George Gachagua (Ndaragwa), Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop), Engineer John Kiragu (Limuru), Simon Kinga’ra (Ruiru), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), Teresiah Wanjiru (Nominated), Kirima Nguchine (Imenti Central), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South) and Daniel Karitho (Igembe Central)

Others were Maina Karobia together with former MPs Gichuki Mugambi (Othaya) and Wambugu Ngunjiri (Nyeri Town).