Nyeri leaders call for peace as Gachagua ouster drama unfolds

The New Democrats (TND) party leader Dr Thuo Mathenge has urged residents of Mt Kenya region to remain peaceful and united, following the nomination of Prof Kithure Kindiki to replace Mr Rigathi Gachagua as the country's next Deputy President.

Dr Mathenge said it is the prerogative of President William Ruto to appoint his preferred choice of leader to fill the position.

The Interior Cabinet Secretary is from Tharaka Nithi County in Mt Kenya East region while Mr Gachagua's backyard is Nyeri County in Mt Kenya West region.

On Thursday night, Senators resolved to impeach Mr Gachagua who, by the time of the impeachment voting exercise, was admitted at Karen Hospital in Nairobi.

Dr Mathenge, who was accompanied by a section of Nyeri religious leaders and business persons, said there is need for the region to remain solidly united despite the top leadership changes.

"Well, the President is within his rights to appoint his deputy. But he should also consider fully that this seat belonged to Nyeri. We are against any form of violence in Mt Kenya region because we are one people. We will not get divided no matter what, " the party leader told the media in Nyeri town on Friday.

He expressed optimism that the embattled Gachagua will get justice in courts.

"We don't have an issue with the President for appointing Kithure Kindiki, but we are also crying for the rights of our son Rithagi Gachagua," Dr Mathenge, a seasoned Nyeri gubernatorial candidate, said.

"We are optimistic that our courts will accord Gachagua justice. We are asking him (Gachagua) to remain strong and remember that we are together with him," he added.

The head of Four Square Gospel Churches of Kenya (FSGCK), Archbishop Njoroge Munyori appealed to Kenyans to pray for Mr Gachagua who is ailing at the hospital.

Archbishop Njoroge said: "As a Church, we urge all Kenyans to remain peaceful and join hands in praying for quick recovery of Gachagua".

"My personal view is that the Senate should have accorded Gachagua more time to avail himself and testify for the 11 impeachment grounds," he added.

Speaking to AVDelta News separately in Nyeri town, Dr David Njoka said the discussion revolving around the DP's impeachment is misplaced and that focus should be directors towards critical issues facing Kenyans.

"The issue of impeaching Gachagua was not a priority for this country. I just wish the focus and efforts by our leaders could have been channeled elsewhere to deal with issues affecting all Kenyans," said Dr Njoka, a member of Kikuyu Council of Elders (KCE).

The National Assembly has already anonymously endorsed President Ruto's nominee for Mr Gachagua's replacement - Prof Kindiki.

Prof Kindiki, who is the current Cabinet Secretary for Interior, was nominated by Dr Ruto, a day after Senate impeached him.

Prof Kindiki was approved by 236 MPs during a Special Sitting that was chaired by House Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.

Last month, elected leaders from Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Meru counties unanimously agreed to rally behind Prof Kindiki as their core link to the national Executive.

“We have unanimously agreed that Prof Kithure Kindiki will serve as the official link between Mount Kenya East and the Executive,” said the leaders during a joint press statement.