Deep cracks in the Kenya Kwanza government continued to widen as President Ruto attacked his deputy Rigathi Gachagua branding his call for Mt Kenya unity as tribalism.
And Gachagua has stood his ground and said his push for a united Mt Kenya region and fair distribution of national resources would go on with fresh impetus.
He sounded a warning to elected leaders from Mt Kenya that those who do not defend the interests of the region would prepare to lose their seats.
Gachagua said the people from Mt Kenya were taking notes and would deal ruthlessly with traitors and sellouts from the region.
Without disclosing Gachagua said there are some things that are not going on well in government and would soon reveal them.
But Ruto has hit at his deputy and dismissed his push for Mt Kenya unity as promoting tribalism and regionalism.
He said that such brand of politics was slippery in Kenya and should be discouraged.
On Sunday Gachagua described himself as a peacemaker, explaining that his call for unity beginning with his home region Mount Kenya, is for the greater good of the Nation and its development.
Speaking in Buuri Constituency in Meru, he defended his call for national forgiveness following a highly divisive 2022 General Election, saying such healing was the way to go.
“I want to appeal to all leaders to embrace forgiveness, it is there in the Bible. I was badly wounded, humiliated and persecuted before the elections. I came to office with bitterness but through prayers I have healed.
He appealed to all leaders-irrespective of political affiliation- to embrace forgiveness, give peace a chance for the Nation to develop and progress.
“On my unity agenda, it is not only for Mount Kenya region but the entire country. For a region to be peaceful and united counties must be united. We will continue asking for unity on regions, counties and the country,” he said as he dismissed claims that the region would be isolated after over its unity.
Questioning why some leaders were having a problem with the unity agenda and criticizing him, the Deputy President said that since each region has its peculiar economic issues and challenges it was necessary for the leaders to unite and push for own respective interests.
“Those saying that calling for unity in Mount Kenya region will lead for isolation, are wrong because unity is good for the country. We had a bad divisive election where 87 per cent of voters in Mount Kenya region voted for President William Ruto and 13 per cent voted for Azimio. I am bringing both camps together and put the region behind President Ruto so that we approach next election as united. The unity is also to ensure the President succeeds,” said Mr Gachagua.
He also said he will continue with peace-making efforts among leaders such as Governors, Ward Representatives and members of the National Assembly for purposes of development.
He was joined by Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, host Mp Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Senator Alexander Mundigi (Embu County), Meru Women rep Elizabeth Kailemia, MPs Moses Kirima (Imenti Central) Abdulrahim Dawood (Imenti North), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East) and John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South).
Others were Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Jayne Kihara ( Naivasha), James Gakuya ( Embakasi North), Wachira Karani (Laikipia West), George Koimburi (Juja), Mejjadonk Gathiru (Embakasi Central), Kamande Mwafrika (Roysambu), Dan Kiili Kariitho (Igembe Central), Gachoki Gitari (Kirinyaga Central), Peter Kihungi (Kangema), Dorothy Ikiara (Nominated) and former Laikipia County MP Cate Waruguru were present at the event.
Members of the county assembly led by Meru Majority Leader Patrick Mutuma and host Timau MCA Martin Muriungi were also present.
