Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday hit out at a section of leaders from the Mt Kenya region who had denounced him warning them to stop high-octane politics and focus on their respective duties in development.
Addressing the faithful of Our Lady of Sorrows Baricho Catholic Parish in Kirinyaga County while marking Centenary Celebrations of the Parish, Gachagua urged leaders to focus on their development agenda.
"The elections ended and the next election cycle is 2027. Those who were elected should do their job; when the time comes, aspirants will go to the people to seek support. Kenyans are intelligent people; they are aware of the political developments. They will make decisions at the ballot," he stated.
Gachagua further called on the leaders from the region to reduce political tension and focus on national development.
"Let us reduce high-octane politics in the Mt Kenya Region. The other regions are calm and not focusing on politics."
He warned the leaders that the power is with the electorates. “The voters will decide in the next election cycle. Let us also be kind and of good deeds all the time and work on the development," he added.
While urging the leaders to also shun divisive politics, Gachagua noted that working together for the greater good of the country should be a priority. He further asked Kenyans to give leaders space to work.
The DP also dropped words of wisdom to the leaders, explaining that despite political differences, they ought to look back and do good to those who did good deeds for them.
His utterances came days after 48 Mt. Kenya MPs denounced him 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.
Relating to the working partnership of the Government and the Catholic Church, the Deputy President lauded the church for its contribution to the socio-economic of the community.
Baricho Parish, which is under the Catholic Diocese of Murang'a, was established on September 15, 1923. The worshipers were celebrating 100 years of faith and evangelisation. Over the period, the Parish has established schools and hospitals and participated in the alleviation of social ills.
Leaders present at the event lauded the Deputy President for his efforts in uniting the country and leading the fight against illicit brews and drug abuse.
"DP Gachagua is our uniting factor, we are telling off those being used to split the country into political camps. We elected the Kenya Kwanza Administration willingly. The link between the people and the executive is Parliament and MPs should play their role without abdicating it to others," Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa said.
His Kirinyaga counterpart Kamau Murango noted it's time to work and as a region, they will support the deputy. "We will continue supporting and working with the Deputy President. We are demanding that he must be respected. The Presidency comprises the President and the Deputy President," he said.