Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has firmly refuted President William Ruto's allegations of promoting ethnic divisions. During a reconciliatory meeting on January 25 with NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua at her residence in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Gachagua labeled the accusations as unfounded and disrespectful.
Gachagua expressed his discontent with President Ruto's remarks, emphasizing his support for Ruto in the previous general election despite ethnic differences. He highlighted that a significant majority of the Kikuyu community backed Ruto, underscoring their commitment to nationalism over tribalism. Gachagua stated, "I, Rigathi Gachagua, am not tribal because I supported President William Ruto, and he is not a Kikuyu. 87% of my kinsmen voted for him, knowing very well he is not from our community."
He further suggested that Ruto's comments, made earlier in Vihiga, stemmed from frustration over waning support from the Mt. Kenya region. According to Gachagua, the community feels let down by Ruto's administration, which he claims has not fulfilled their expectations. "We are nationalists, and it is insulting to this community for the president to go around calling us tribal. We know he is unhappy, frustrated, and bitter that our people have left him," Gachagua asserted.
In a rally held in Vihiga, President Ruto criticized Gachagua, accusing him of incompetence, corruption, and tribalism. Ruto remarked, "There are people who are attempting to lead us into hateful and tribal politics meant to divide Kenyans. There are people we gave jobs, but because they are clueless and corrupt, they sunk and will continue sinking."
At the same event, Martha Karua criticized President Ruto for alleged constitutional violations and authoritarian tendencies. She accused Ruto's government of being involved in abductions and suppressing dissent, urging him to resign if he cannot lead effectively. "When you are given an opportunity for leadership in Kenya, that is not a title deed. Kenya doesn't belong to you; it belongs to all of us. You cannot start doing things that are not in the Constitution. We will say 'no' because sovereignty belongs to the people," Karua remarked.
Karua also reminded Ruto of his declining popularity, claiming he had been rejected by the people. "Ruto should remember that he was fired from his job in June last year. Once the people reject you, resign and go home. We have seen people resigning all over the world. There is nothing special about Ruto," she added.
These exchanges occur against a backdrop of escalating political tensions in Kenya. Gachagua was impeached four months ago on charges including corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and supporting anti-government protests. The Senate approved five of the eleven charges against him, making him the first deputy president in Kenya to be removed through impeachment.
Gachagua has consistently denied all allegations, claiming political victimization. His impeachment proceedings were marked by controversy, including his hospitalization due to chest pains just before parliamentary questioning. Despite his attempts to halt the process through legal means, the Senate proceeded with the vote, leading to his removal from office.
The recent accusations and counter-accusations among Kenyan political leaders highlight deep-seated divisions and challenges within the country's political landscape. The Mt. Kenya region's alleged dissatisfaction with President Ruto's administration signals potential shifts in political alliances and support bases. As Kenya approaches future elections, these dynamics are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the nation's political trajectory.
The reconciliatory meeting between Gachagua and Karua, intended to bridge political divides, instead became a platform for airing grievances against President Ruto. Their remarks underscore the growing political rift between the Mt. Kenya region and Ruto's administration, reflecting broader national concerns about governance, constitutional adherence, and ethnic relations.
As the situation unfolds, the responses from various political actors and the public will be pivotal in determining Kenya's path toward unity and democratic governance. The emphasis on nationalism over tribalism, as highlighted by Gachagua, and the call for constitutional adherence, as stressed by Karua, resonate with broader aspirations for a cohesive and just society.
In conclusion, the recent developments in Kenya's political arena reflect a complex interplay of personal grievances, regional dynamics, and national governance issues. The allegations and counter-allegations among key political figures underscore the need for dialogue, accountability, and a recommitment to the principles enshrined in the nation's constitution to ensure stability and progress.
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has firmly refuted President William Ruto's allegations of promoting ethnic divisions. During a reconciliatory meeting on January 25 with NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua at her residence in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Gachagua labeled the accusations as unfounded and disrespectful.
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