Rift Valley and Mt Kenya MPs Warn Rigathi Gachagua Against Divisive Politics

A section of Members of Parliament from the Rift Valley and Mt Kenya regions, allied to President William Ruto, have issued a stern warning to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, cautioning him against his attempts to undermine the President’s efforts to unite the country. The leaders, speaking in Uasin Gishu County, the President's political stronghold, criticized Gachagua’s use of tribal politics ahead of the upcoming general election.

Leading the charge, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, along with his Gatundu North counterpart Elijah Njoroge, called on the former DP to desist from dividing the country along ethnic lines. They accused Gachagua of trying to exploit political divisions, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, and alienating the people from the rest of the country.

“We cannot allow anyone to drive wedges between the Mt Kenya region and the President over a past political issue,” said Sudi, emphasizing that the people of Mt Kenya had played a pivotal role in bringing the Kenya Kwanza government to power. He insisted that the region’s voters should not be sidelined in national development projects.

Sudi, who made the remarks during a bursary cheque distribution event in his constituency, highlighted that without the support from Mt Kenya voters, the Kenya Kwanza coalition would not have been in power. He said Gachagua’s attempt to prioritize the interests of a single community over others was not in the spirit of national unity and progress.

“We owe our power to the votes from Mt Kenya. It is wrong for the former DP to advocate for one community at the expense of others,” Sudi added.

In a show of unity, Njoroge also condemned Gachagua's actions, stating that Mt Kenya leaders allied to the President would not allow him to sow division within their ranks. He termed the former DP's tactics as outdated and reiterated their commitment to the Kenya Kwanza agenda.

“This is our time to benefit from the support we gave to the government. We will not allow a few individuals to mislead us into abandoning the government we helped put in power,” Njoroge said.

The two MPs emphasized their resolve to support President Ruto’s leadership and expressed confidence in the ongoing development initiatives aimed at uplifting the Mt Kenya region. Sudi further vowed to rally leaders from across the country to join the President in a nationwide development tour, despite increasing opposition from critics within the region.

With political temperatures rising ahead of the next elections, the MPs' remarks reflect the growing tensions within Kenya Kwanza, as the political landscape becomes increasingly polarized. As the country moves closer to the election, the debate over unity versus division remains at the forefront of Kenyan politics.

March 31, 2025