Gachagua issues reconciliation conditions for ‘traitor’ MPs in Mt Kenya

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with politician Cate Waruguru during the burial of his sister, Eunice Nyangari, in Kieni, Nyeri County /HANDOUTFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has invited Mt Kenya MPs allied to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to return to the political fold, despite accusing them of betraying the region.

Gachagua said he had consulted religious leaders, who had urged him to forgive MPs who supported his impeachment in October 2024 in the interest of unity within the Mt Kenya region.

However, he maintained that the leaders must first face wananchi and seek forgiveness for their political decisions before being welcomed back.

Speaking on Saturday at Kieni, Nyeri county, during the burial of his elder sister, Eunice Nyangari, who died aged 77, Gachagua appealed to the legislators to reconsider their political positions.

“I want to appeal to everyone now to come back home. I have been told by bishops, even those who betrayed our community, we forgive them, and we have forgiven them,” he said.

“Come back home and speak to the wananchi. They will forgive you.”

He urged the leaders to abandon what he described as a tendency to betray and harass the Mt Kenya community, saying regional unity was important.

“Leave this tendency of betraying and harassing us because we must preserve this community,” Gachagua added.

Several Mt Kenya MPs have found themselves on a collision course with the former Deputy President after maintaining their support for President Ruto, particularly following his ouster from office.

Among them is National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who has repeatedly accused Gachagua of promoting hatred and tribalism.

Others include Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau, Gatundu South MP Elijah Kururia, Betty Maina (Murang’a), Anne Muratha (Kiambu), Rahab Mukami (Nyeri), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia), Simon King’ara (Ruiru) and John Kawanjiku (Kiambaa).

The legislators have remained close to the President, with some arguing that their association with his administration is intended to secure development projects and government resources for the region.

On Friday, a section of Kiambu MPs met Ruto at State House, Nairobi, where discussions centred on ongoing development projects in the county.

In a statement following the meeting, the President highlighted infrastructure projects, including the dualling of Kiambu Road and construction of the Nairobi-Thika Expressway, saying they would ease transport and improve connectivity within the Nairobi Metropolitan region.

“We are deliberate and intentional in ensuring that every part of Kenya benefits equitably from our transformation agenda. No county, no community and no region will be left behind. Usawa ni Sawa,” Ruto said.