Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on Saturday, May 13, defended the controversial appointments in President William Ruto's administration.
Specifically, the Second in Command, defended Mt Kenya appointees, arguing that they deserved recognition as they had voted overwhelmingly for Ruto.
He alleged that most residents from the Mt Kenya region were serving sentences at Kamiti Maximum Prison, but critics targeted government appointees rather than defending the convicts.
"When they say Mt Kenya people are many in the government, where do they want us to go? We are many in Kamiti. Why are they not complaining? We are part of this government. We have to be truthful," Gachagua stated at the funeral of the late freedom advocate Mukami Kimathi in Nyandarua.
At the same time, he sustained his attacks on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. While addressing mourners, Gachagua reprimanded Raila, calling him out for leading anti-government protests on the cost of living.
He also accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of diverting funds to the defunct Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
“The truth is that the price of unga is high. The truth is also that when the Handshake government was there, the price of unga was Ksh230. Now it is Ksh170," Gachagua indicated.
Further, Gachagua castigated Raila for failing to recognise President William Ruto's administration. He challenged the former Prime Minister to recognise Ruto's Presidency.
However, the Second in Command challenged Raila to champion the rights of freedom advocate during his push for reforms. Specifically, he implored Raila to advocate for the land rights of the freedom advocates.
“I am happy the former Prime Minister you have said we speak the truth. Welcome to the club of truthful men," Gachagua added.
Raila had earlier trolled Gachagua for issuing directives on Mukami's state funeral. Raila argued that the flag was not flown at half-mast.
He further faulted Ruto's regime for failing to honour Mukami's last wishes of being buried alongside her late husband, Dedan Kimathi.
"Gachagua stated that we would have a state funeral, and I want to remind the government that we do not have flags at half-mast.
"She had wished that on the day of her funeral, the remains of her husband be removed from Kamiti Maximum Prison and brought to her. I hope that the government will look at that," Raila added.
Ruto, in response, pledged to address the land issues raised by Raila and Gachagua, set up a museum to honour Mukami and other freedom advocates and trace Dedan Kimathi's remains for a better send-off.
