A section of Mt Kenya leaders voice support for DP Gachagua

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua received a major boost from a section of politicians from Mt Kenya supporting his leadership as the regional kingpin.

Speaking during a service in Mihuti PCEA Church in Mukurwenini, Nyeri County, they said Gachagua was the highest-ranking leader in the region at the moment, adding that they would unite behind him.

Nyeri County Speaker Gichuhi Mwangi said the people of Mt Kenya region should support the DP as he was instrumental in protecting the region's development agenda.

"DP Gachagua occupies the second highest leadership position in the country, and we must stand with him and support his efforts to steer the government," he said.

MP Kangema Peter Kihugi said the region must get its share in government to secure development.

"Let us unite to protect the region's interests. We must accept that the leadership of DP Rigathi is our only hope for securing our government share," he said.

Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto said the DP had succeeded in uniting the region by offering an olive branch to all leaders regardless of their political affiliation.

"You are the anointed leader of the region, like David. You have been selected from many options, but God chose you, and now you are in the right position to unite us," he said.

He called for several meetings across the counties to bring together leaders and offer solutions to the region.

"I applaud your Golf festival in Nyeri that brought together more than 50 MPs from the region, and we need similar meetings in Kiambu, Nakuru, Kirinyaga and Nairobi," he said.

On social media attacks on the DP, Wandeto claimed they were sponsored by individuals who intended to undermine DP Gachagua.

"Just ignore the social media attacks on you and your supporters. They are propaganda sponsored by your enemies," he said.

However, the DP steered clear of politics and instead focused on his efforts to implement the tea, coffee and dairy reforms.

Gachagua stated he was still fighting coffee cartels by demanding they share the profits they had accrued from selling the produce with farmers.

"We want these coffee millers and marketers to share their profits with farmers because they are the producers. The government wants to ensure we offer opportunities for direct sales from American firms," he said.

He insisted that the rains had led to a milk glut, which the government was intending to stabilise the milk prices.

Other MPs also voiced their support for the DP included Kanini Kega (EALA), Simon Nganga (Ruiru), Augustine Kamande (Roysambu), Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri), Wainaina Njoroge (Kieni), Ann Wamuratha(Kiambu County, Susan Ngugi (Tharaka Nithi), Rahab Mukami (Nyeri), Nyeri Senator, Wahome Wamatinga, and Deputy Governor David Kinaniri.