48 Mt Kenya MPs Denounce DP Gachagua and Back Kindiki in Nyandarua Declaration

by Frankline Oduor on Thursday, 12 September 2024 - 3:02 pm

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, March 6 2024

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Kindiki

In what could alter the matrix of the upcoming 2027 elections, 48 Mt. Kenya MPs on Thursday denounced Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and threw their weight behind Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who has been tipped to become the region's next kingpin.

The MPs, largely drawn from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, met in Nyahururu in Nyandarua County and agreed to back the Interior CS, effectively pitting him against the country's second in command.

Notable leaders present at the event included; National Assembly Leader Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East), Eric Wamumbi (Mathira) ,Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri Town), Alice Ng'ang'a (Thika Town) ,Kuria Kimani(Molo), John Kiarie(Dagoretti South) among other politicians.

However, a majority of Members of Parliament allied to Rigathi Gachagua did not attend the meeting.

President William Ruto addressing MCAs from Mt Kenya at State House on Monday, March 11, 2024.

PCS

The 48 MPs in their rallying call argued the Mt Kenya region cannot operate in a vacuum and has to work in sync with the rest of the country which was a clear salvo against the DP who has consistently stressed the need for the Mt. Kenya region to unite.

‘’Accordingly, we are convinced beyond doubt that the unity of this region must be pursued in the context of the unity of the nation as a whole. We are one indivisible people of Kenya and must always put our country first-Kenya Kwanza,’’ the statement read in part.

During the meeting, the MPs highlighted that the development needs of the region have been frustrated by the lack of adequate political leadership.

‘’Unfortunately, our efforts to consolidate the developmental needs of the people we represent and canvas for their realization has been frustrated by the lack of a focal point of reference around whom we can channel the interests and priorities of our people to the Government for actualization,’’ the lawmakers noted.

They also took issue with backroom lobbying where leaders from the region are arm twisted into supporting certain leaders with consequences for those who fail to do so.

‘’Our attempts to call the region to the orderly prioritization of the developmental needs of the people have been frustrated by condescending threats of dire political consequences unless we support certain personal interests and ambitions.’’ They stated.

The MPs resolved that they will push legislative proposals in the National Assembly to enable the country and the region to benefit from development projects before the country gets to the next general elections.

‘’We commit to redouble our efforts to ensure that the priority projects earmarked for our region and for our people in diaspora that are in the Kenya Kwanza Plan are implemented,’’ the statement added.

Blow to Gachagua

The meeting also resolved to focus on reforms in the farming sector which has been a conflicting topic, with Gachagua claiming that he will advocate for better coffee and tea prices. These have however been hijacked by the majority leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah who has dismissed the drive as politically motivated.

The MPs also revisited the One Man, One Shilling, One Vote debate that has become a hot political potato in the Mt. Kenya region.

‘’We have also resolved to champion for a favorable Division of Revenue regime that provides for a formula that greatly benefits the people we represent,’’ the legislators asserted.

The meeting came at the backdrop of simmering political divisions within the region’s politics after some leaders from Mt Kenya East declared Kithure Kindiki as the Mt. Kenya leader.

The divisions have in the past played out at the national scene with some leaders threatening to impeach Gachagua whom they accused of propagating tribal politics.