Stop politicking and push farmers interests, Gachagua tells leaders

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua acknowledges greetings from residents of Engineer Town in Kinangop, Nyandarua County, after attending Holy Mass at St Stephen Catholic Parish, Karoroha, Nyandarua County on July 28, 2024. [DPCS]

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged leaders to stop succession politics and advance matters of national interest aimed at boosting livelihoods such as reforms in the agriculture sector and infrastructure development.

Speaking in Githunguri, Kiambu county, on Wednesday Gachagua rallied Members of Parliament to prioritise the Co-operative Societies Bill, which seeks to entrench fiscal discipline in Saccos and provide a legal framework for a sustainable and competitive cooperative sector.

"Leaders should stop politicking and focus on working on reforming the agriculture sector and infrastructure development. We must unite for the sake of development and work together. The unity that we have been calling for in this region (Mt Kenya) is for the purpose of pushing for development. The date of the next election is known, so for now let us work for the people," he said.

The Deputy President said that Kenyans are not interested in who gets which position in the next election cycle but are keen on how the economy will improve and boost their income.

He assured that reforms in the coffee, tea and dairy farming are on course.

"In the coffee, tea and milk sub-sectors, we are making good progress and we are getting somewhere. Our only issue now is governance in cooperative societies. I want to appeal to the National Assembly to fast-track the Cooperative Bill to enable us to get people of integrity who will lead our societies. The MPs and senators should take a keen interest in the people being elected in the leadership of cooperatives. We should also go for young leaders," he said.

He spoke at Mitahato Primary School grounds in Ngewa, Githunguri constituency, during the requiem mass of the Martean Thang'wa and Penninah Wanjiru, brother and sister-in-law to Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa.

The DP was accompanied by a host of leaders led by Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba.

Gachagua addressed residents in Kiambu town and Ndumberi centre, where he assured them that President William Ruto's administration working to ensure economic transformation, including payment of coffee farmers' debts and increment of the Cherry Fund.

"Despite the tight fiscal space that has led to the slashing of funds, as the budget cycle continues more funds will be allocated to the Cherry Fund and the Sh7 billion debt of coffee growers will be paid," he said.

He announced that the government is searching for new markets for tea export to boost farmers' earnings.

Gachagua asked leaders to shun divisive politics and advocate for the interests of the people who elected them to office.

Leaders lauded the DP's leadership and assistance to the President in implementing the Kenya Kwanza administration manifesto.

"We appreciate the Deputy President as he continues to support farmers to increase their earnings and access lucrative markets to improve their livelihoods," said Cheruiyot.

MP Wamuchomba called out politicians disrespecting Gachagua.

"The Deputy President is the senior leader in Mt Kenya region and he must be respected. We won't allow few people to disrespect or insult him," she said.