Mutahi Kagwe's open letter to Gema nation ahead of Christmas

Mutahi Kagwe address members of the public in a past function in 2022. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

As the festive season approaches, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary nominee Mutahi Kagwe has issued a poignant open letter to the GEMA nation, urging reflection and unity amid the challenges faced in 2024.

Kagwe’s letter, laced with candid observations and a call for introspection, delves into the state of the community and its role in national discourse while offering hope for a brighter year ahead.

In his heartfelt letter, Kagwe begins by acknowledging the essence of Christmas as a season of love, giving, and unity. He notes, however, that this year feels markedly different.

"My people from and of the mountain, you are angry, sullen, emotive, hyper-sensitive, garrulous, and hard-to-please," he writes, questioning the community's departure from its traditional values of resilience and optimism.

Kagwe reflects on the global and local economic hardships that have shaped the year, citing the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, rising global oil prices, and extreme weather events as contributors to the struggles faced by Kenyans.

Despite these adversities, he offers a message of hope, stating, "The worst is over. Cheer up, for this is the season to not only reflect on the what-would-have-been in 2024 but to also look forward to a better, more prosperous, and fulfilling year ahead."

The letter takes a sharp turn as Kagwe addresses the unresolved anger he observes within the GEMA community, particularly toward national leadership. He highlights the vilification of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, a fellow son of the mountain, during and after the 2022 elections.

"We labeled our former President Kenyatta and his administration a failure, for having failed to ‘protect our interests.’ What interests may I ask now, when he more than delivered on his national mandate?" Kagwe questions.

He condemns the public's role in perpetuating the slander and disrespect directed at Kenyatta, even after his peaceful handover of power to President William Ruto.

Kagwe further decries the destruction of Kenyatta's private properties during politically charged raids earlier this year, calling it a betrayal of the community's values of entrepreneurship and the sanctity of private property.

Kagwe also touches on the community's fluctuating stance toward Kenyatta, citing the warm reception he received at a recent bishop's consecration in Embu, only to be followed by renewed criticism weeks later.

"Why do we refuse to acknowledge this, embrace our fellow Kenyans, and celebrate each one of us and our achievements?" he asks, urging the community to rise above divisive rhetoric and embrace unity.

Turning to his own nomination as Cabinet Secretary, Kagwe defends the appointments of GEMA leaders like himself and others, including Ndiritu Mureithi, Kaba Kabogo, and Lee Kinyanjui, to key government roles.

He argues that these leaders possess the expertise to address the nation’s pressing challenges, from the agricultural sector to ICT and trade.

"Are we saying that Kagwe in the tea, coffee, dairy, high-value nuts, avocado, and other food crops sector will fail even before he has started?" he poses rhetorically.

Kagwe also addresses the political tension surrounding Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, calling for an end to the community's tendency to magnify internal disputes into communal crises.

Drawing on historical examples, he reminds his audience that leadership changes and political disagreements have always been part of Kenya’s political fabric but have never paralyzed the nation or its communities.

In a passionate plea, Kagwe challenges the GEMA community to reject divisive propaganda and embrace rationality, decorum, and decency.

"What is there to be glorified about being in the opposition and by being an ill-advised opposition vanguard to settle personal political scores?" he asks, urging his people to reflect on their actions and attitudes during this festive season.

The letter concludes with a message of hope and renewal: "Let us ponder these questions this Christmas and resolve to return to rationality in the new year. Happy Holidays!"

Kagwe’s open letter serves as both a critique and a call to action, urging the GEMA community to reflect on its role in shaping national unity and progress.

As the country prepares for the holiday season, his words challenge all Kenyans to embrace the spirit of Christmas—love, forgiveness, and togetherness—and to look forward to a prosperous 2025.