Governor Gachagua returns home to rousing welcome

Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua joins women in a dance at Kamukunji Stadium on April 23 2016.2016.Mr Nderitu had been away for a medical treatment in abroad. PHOTO:KIBATA KIHU/STANDARD

Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua got a warm welcome after a four-month absence from the public limelight.

Yesterday, Nyeri residents turned up in large numbers at the Dedan Kimathi Kamukunji grounds to welcome the county chief, who was away in India for medical treatment. In his characteristic manner, an excited Gachagua returned full of promise, pledges and armed with ‘goodies’ for his people.

“I have been at the forefront of addressing the coffee sector in this county. While on my hospital bed in India, I penned a letter to President Kenyatta on coffee, asking him to ensure that farmers get at least a minimum guarantee of Sh30 per kg,” Gachagua said.

In a seeming reference to Friday’s Sh1 billion fund to boost Meru County’s miraa growers, the Governor said since the whole of Central supported the President’s election bid, it was only fair that everybody’s concerns are addressed equally.

Budget forum

An event meant to be a public budget making forum turned into a welcome ceremony for the Governor.

Gachagua danced freely and energetically with various women groups as a gesture to assure Nyeri residents that he was firmly in charge.

The event was, however, not free of drama. A drunk man who pledged his support for the governor crawled unnoticed to the dais where he started drooling in front of Gachagua and other dignitaries.

County askaris had a rough time trying to evict the man who sang in praise of the governor. Police later arrested the troublemaker.

The governor arrived at the venue shortly after 1.15pm riding in his official Mercedes E250, followed by an entourage of senior county officials and his security detail.

He was received by his deputy Samuel Wamathai, County Secretary Alice Wahome, County Assembly Speaker Mwangi Mugo among others.

Ironically, none of the eight area MPs including Senator Mutahi Kagwe attended the function. Only a handful of elected MCAs, led by Majority Leader Duncan Gituanja, and their nominated counterparts attended the event.

The elated county boss thanked the masses for praying for him, saying helped in his healing journey. Gachagua who has been out of the country, since December 2015, was last seen in public when he addressed a Jamhuri day celebrations event at the same venue.