Days after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led a defiance against his party UDA, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now says the political marriage was still strong.
In a move to cool rising political tension in the political union between Mt Kenya and President Ruto, downplayed the defiance he led to reject an UDA nominee and back a Jubilee candidate from Mt Kenya.
He said there were no cracks within Kenya Kwanza saying what was witnessed during EALA elections was internal democracy.
Gachagua appeared to be addressing Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga who had claimed there were people within UDA who were keen on sideling Mt Kenya region.
He flatly told President Ruto that he had not married the region and they (Mt Kenya) can walk out any time if they felt they are not needed.
Kahiga said the election of former Kieni MP Kanini Kega to EALA by UDA MPs from Mt Kenya should serve as a warning shot to Ruto.
The election of Kega was credited to DP Gachagua who mobilised MPs from Mt Kenya after UDA failed to nominate any one from the region.
He went on to say he will go out and unite the entire Mt Kenya region and mentor young leaders.
The DP was speaking when he officiated the graduation ceremony of 353 graduates at Outspan Medical College in Nyeri.
“I want to tell members of the press that what they saw was internal democracy that our president William Ruto has allowed so issue of defying him or cracks do not arise we are still intact and our marriage is for forever ” said Gachagua.
Rigathi was accompanied by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Wafula.
“Our president has allowed internal democracy to prevail so these is no division in our government which is still intact and we always agree” said Rigathi.
Rigathi said that on the contrary mountain region is happy with Ruto administration with many people from the region being appointed to position of leadership.
“We have witnessed appointments of many in Ruto adiministration infact what we are witnessing was last seen 50 years ago so we have no cause to worry ” said Gachagua.
Gachagua said that they will continue to unite the mountain under Ruto’s administration saying that they will reach out to all those who were opposing them.
“I want to say here that we have extended a welcoming hand to all those who opposed us to come and join us under the leadership of William Ruto.
Gachagua said that by December they will ensure that 13 percent of those who did not vote for their administration are back to their fold so that the region can move together in unison under Ruto administration.
On matters health Gachagua said that their administration will fast track implementation of universal health coverage to ensure Kenyans have affordable health care.
He said that so far talks are at an advanced stage for establishment of a pharmaceutical factory by a US investor to ensure availability of quality drugs at reasonable prices.
“We are currently holding talks with us and other investors to ensure we establish drugs factories and private hospitals that will complement government efforts in provision of health services ,” said Gachagua.
On her part Ms Wafula said that so far one million Kenyans have been registered under National Health Insurance Fund but they plan to increase the number to over two million .
