Gachagua Allies Warn MPs Disrespecting The DP, Exodus Looming
MPs loyal to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have threatened a mass walkout from the ruling party over what they call blatant disrespect to the second in command.
Gachagua attended a church service at St Patrick’s ACK Church Kayole yesterday, where the MPs singled out National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
The Kikuyu MP has been critical of the Deputy President, occasionally hitting him during presidential functions. The MPs accused him of leading and coordinating campaigns against Gachagua.
“If intimidation will not end, then people we will leave silently like in the last government. I am seeing the same trend happening now,” Embakasi Central MP Mejjadonk Benjamin said.
For those asking about the political pulse of the Mt Kenya region right now, here is Embakasi Central MP Mejjadonk Benjamin Gathiru at a church service in Kayole today. The video is just 5mins long. It will change your life. pic.twitter.com/eQV1Fjwdux
— Gabriel Oguda (@gabrieloguda) September 8, 2024
Mary Wamaua (Maragwa), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Kamande Mwafrika (Roysambu), Edward Muriu (Gatanga), Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, and Catherine Muruguru, former Laikipia Woman Representative, were also present.
The lawmakers, primarily from Mount Kenya, claimed there was a sinister plot to discredit Gachagua in light of President William Ruto’s current political marriage with Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
“It cannot be that we are bringing the second family so that we disrespect our mother. It is impossible,” Mejjadonk said.
Nyutu added: “We have a second wife who is loved more than the second wife. We must stand up to ensure our mother who is the first wife is not mistreated and intimidated.”
Gachagua, on the other hand, denied that the broad-based government is pushing him over the edge.
He stated that his position in the Kenya Kwanza government is secure, despite his boss bringing in ODM bigwigs.
“There is no way I can move even an inch. Those the president has brought on board from ODM, we welcome them and let us work together,” Gachagua said.
“The coming in of new people cannot displace the ones who are there.”
The MPs also pressed the President to clarify whether he supported the coordinated attacks on his deputy.
According to Maragwa MP Mary Wamaua, the Majority Leader position is a powerful one that should bring them together, but Ichung’wah is using it to attack others.
“Mr President, you called us to a meeting after the Murang’a tour and told us you don’t want to hear anything about impeachment and the issue stopped,” she said.
“Why is it that Ichung’wah is attacking the DP in front of you?”
Muriu linked Gachagua’s woos to his efforts to protect Mt Kenya’s interests in the broad-based government.
“Righathi Gachagua has been put on trial, his crime is bringing Mt. Kenya together. Riggy G, if you are guilty, then I am guilty, too,” the Gatanga MP said.
He also chastised Ichung’wah for attempting to drive a wedge between the two leaders, who he emphasized must work together.
“The President and his deputy were voted for on one ticket, they are like Siamese twins,” Murui said.
“You cannot disparage the DP and at the same time saying you are supporting the President.”
Gakuya criticized the President for overlooking Nairobi when appointing Cabinet Secretaries.
“Nairobi we gave 600,000 votes, we cannot get even a single Cabinet slot. It can’t be business as usual,” the Embakasi North MP said.
Gachagua Allies Warn MPs Disrespecting The DP, Exodus Looming
