Gachagua banks on Judiciary to uphold law ahead of Senate trial

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua arrives in Embu for the 34th ACK Diocesan Anniversary at Kigari Teachers Training College on October 13, 2024. [Murithi Mugo]

The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is walking on a tight rope after elected leaders stayed away when he attended church service on Sunday in Embu.

Only two MPs out of the five from Embu attended the 34th Anniversary Celebrations for the ACK Diocese of Embu at St Mark Teachers' Training College Kigari in Manyatta constituency, Embu county.

Host MP Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta) and Embu Woman Rep Pamela Njoki Njeru Double N, attended the celebrations with MPs Muchangi Karemba (Runyenjes), Eng Nebart Muriuki (Mbeere South) and Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North) giving the event a wild berth.

Conspicuously missing was Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi and Governor Cecily Mbarire who is UDA chairperson.

President William Ruto had confirmed attendance in July 7, 2024 before the event was postponed following the Gen Z protests. There were unconfirmed rumours that the Head of State was to attend the event on Sunday but cancelled at the last minute.

Other leaders who accompanied the DP were Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), George Koimburi (Juja), Kamau Murango(Kirinyaga Senator), Cate Waruguru (former MP Laikipia County) and a host of MCAs from Embu and Kirinyaga.

Gachagua called for calm in the country irrespective of the Senate verdict on his impeachment by the National Assembly.

"Never be distracted by whatever is happening in our nation, we are Christians who believe in the Almighty God who is on the Throne and capable of doing His will beyond human expectation. Pray for us and the nation at large, we were elected by many people and it cannot be that a few people can send us home," he said amid cheers from the congregation.

The DP applauded Manyatta MP and Women Rep Njoki for voting against his impeachment saying they listened to the electorate.

"You elected us with the President for five years and the will of the people must be respected. We have faith in our Judiciary which is very professional and I have no doubt in mind that our eminent Judges will protect and uphold the Constitution, the rule of law and make sure that every time the will of the people is sovereign," Gachagua said.

Before ending his speech, the DP led the congregation in singing a song from the hymn book titled “Trust in the Lord” on your journey irrespective of the challenges and endurance.

The service was presided over by the Bishop David Murithi of tACK Diocese of Embu and attended by Anglican Dean of Province Moses Masamba and the Bishop of Marsabit who preached the word.

Bishop Murithi only allowed Gachagua to address faithful.

Pastor Dr Dorcas Rigathi called on Kenyans to remain prayerful and peaceful.