Governors to Mt Kenya region: Remain peaceful, support Ruto and Kindiki
Governors among other guests during the thanksgiving ceremony of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, following his attainment of PhD. The event was held at Abundant New Life Church in Nyeri town on November 2, 2024. Photo/James Murimi
A section of governors has appealed to residents of Mt Kenya region to embrace peace following the recent dethronement of Mr Rigathi Gachagua from the Deputy President position and his replacement with Prof Kithure Kindiki.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who spearheads the county where Prof Kindiki hails from, led his colleague county bosses in advocating for unity between residents of Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West.
DP Kindiki is from Tharaka Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County, in Mt Kenya East while his predecessor--Mr Gachagua--is from Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County, in Mt Kenya West.
Mr Njuki said the entire country is closely watching the vote-rich region on whether it will remain calm and embrace Prof Kindiki’s leadership or engage in political animosity.
“Kenya is watching closely whether there will be division among residents of Mt Kenya West and Mt Kenya East. This mountain has never divided us. In fact, Nyeri and Tharaka Nithi counties have routes to scale Mt Kenya to the peak,” Mr Njuki said.
The county boss was speaking at Abundant New Life Church in Nyeri town on Saturday during the thanksgiving ceremony of Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga, following his attainment of PhD.
“I want to tell you my friends from Nyeri that we all belong to the bigger Kenya. Governor Kahiga and I will always remain friends. The people of Nyeri and Tharaka Nithi should also remain friends,” Mr Njuki said.
“Let us not allow ourselves to be divided because of politics. After all, we are all facing the same problems as people. We should instead focus on discussing critical issues that unite us rather than those that divide us,” he added.
Mr Njuki was joined by Council of Governors (CoG) chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir governor). Other governors present were Stephen Sang (Nandi), Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma), and Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo).
Governor Kahiga urged President Ruto not to 'neglect' Nyeri County after the ouster of Mr Gachagua from the country’s second-in-command position.
“We want to tell the President that now that we have lost the seat that was occupied by Rigathi Gachagua, he should consider how he will cater for the people of Nyeri. Nyeri should not be forgotten in the map of Kenya because we also voted overwhelmingly for this administration,” Mr Kahiga, who is also the vice chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), said.
“The end of one thing is the beginning of another. This nation is greater than an individual. We want to wish President Ruto all the best as he takes the country to the other level. We are okay with the leadership of Prof Kindiki,” he added.
Mr Abdullahi urged all Kenyans to unite and support the government that is led by President William Ruto and his deputy Prof Kindiki.
“My appeal is for all Kenya to unite because we are one people. As CoG, we decline to venture into divisive politics. That is why we want peace to continue so that we can spur development in every part of this country,” said the Wajir governor.
Mr Lusaka urged Mt Kenya region residents to embrace the new leadership structure and give it time to deliver development for all Kenyans.
“Rigathi Gachagua was my classmate and we worked together for many years as civil servants. The captain (President Ruto) has just made some changes in his team and I believe that he will consider all parts of the country in terms of development. As a region, you should not mourn, but remain united,” the Bungoma governor said.
On his part, Governor Sang said: “I have no doubt in my mind that Governors Kahiga and Njuki will unite this region. We urge this region to support the transformation of Kenya and set aside divisive politics. No region should be left behind in terms of development”.
Governor Cheboi urged Kenyans to unite and work hard towards entrenching development in the country.
“Kenya is moving forward. As people of this region, you cannot continue crying over spilled milk. We need to unite and build this nation,” Cheboi said.
Prof Kindiki was sworn in on Friday, a day after the High Court lifted orders barring his inauguration.
His predecessor, Mr Gachagua, was impeached by Parliament last month but moved to court to challenge his removal from the top office and replacement.
But on Thursday, a three-bench judge lifted orders barring Prof Kindiki’s swearing-in, arguing that the position of Deputy President should not remain vacant in accordance with the country’s Constitution.
