You lead, we follow Mt Kenya senators turn around, embrace DP

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]

Eleven Senators from the Mt Kenya region have pledged their loyalty to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

During a meeting held at the ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001497437/ruto-turns-up-heat-on-gachagua-rivals-sends-him-to-south-africa">Deputy President’s official< residence in Karen, the Senators also committed to supporting whatever political direction Gachagua deems fit as they seek reelection in the 2027 general elections.

The meeting also served as a platform to resolve differences between some Senators who had not been supporting Gachagua.

“Some of the Senators who had been critical of Gachagua also retreated, pledged their loyalty, and requested that he reciprocate by publicly supporting them whenever he visits their counties,” a Senator disclosed.

The Senator added, “Gachagua responded by saying he had no personal issues with any leader but asked us to maintain close contact with the electorate, as they have the final say on our political careers.”

One of the Senators who addressed the forum mentioned that feedback from the ‘ground’ indicated that the electorate is waiting for a political vehicle the region will use in the 2027 general elections.

On Sunday, while speaking at ACK St. Joseph of ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001496001/the-faces-behind-gachagua-woes-as-ruto-allies-go-bare-knuckle">Arimathea Church in Nairobi<, Gachagua, addressing former Mwea MP Kavinga Wachira, said that leaders should not miscalculate when choosing a political party for their parliamentary bids.

“You can board a car heading for Machakos while you are heading for Nyeri. Next time, ensure you board a (political) vehicle that is heading to your destination. The issue of vehicles is very important; you need to be careful to board a car that belongs to your community, and everyone has a home,” he said.

According to the Senators, the Karen meeting also resolved to rally behind Gachagua in his quest to unite the Mt Kenya region and push for the revival of stalled development projects, such as the Mau Mau roads started by former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.

Gachagua reportedly emphasised the importance of unity among leaders to advocate for regional development.

Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thangwa stated that the Senators pledged to support Gachagua as the unifying leader in the region.

“Our productive discussions touched on devolution, including our successes, challenges, and potential solutions. We fully support Gachagua as a unifying leader in our region and extend our prayers and best wishes,” he said.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001496880/villager-movement-rattles-uda-as-gachagua-faces-backlash">Nakuru Senator Tabitha< Karanja added, “We discussed the social, political, economic, and environmental transformation, as well as the prosperity and unity of the region and the entire country.”

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who has previously supported Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as his preferred replacement for Gachagua as President William Ruto’s running mate in 2027, also attended the meeting and pledged to support Gachagua’s unity bid.

Other Senators who attended the meeting included Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi, Kamau Mulango (Kirinyaga), Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka-Nithi), Alexander Mundigi (Embu), John Methu (Nyandarua), Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri), Kamau Githuku (Lamu), John Kinyua (Laikipia), and Veronica Maina (Nominated).

After the meeting, Gachagua wrote on his Facebook account, “Continuous engagement with elected leaders is a catalyst for development for our people. It is also the best forum for feedback on what our employers think and feel about our leadership.”