Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has kicked off an agressive campaign to unite Mt Kenya region ahead of 2027 general elections.
The campaign that will see him seek audience with his nemesis retired President Uhuru Kenyatta started in Nyeri, where he hosted golfers to a lavisj tournament at the Nyeri Golf Club.
An impressive 174 golfers took part in the tournament on Saturday, the biggest draw in the club’s 113 years.
Golfers took an opportunity to pay tribute to the third president the late Mwai Kibaki who was the patron of the club for 40 years and invited Gachagua to be patron.
Gachagua accepted to be patron and agreed to make the event annual with a similar one to be held next year.
He donated a total of Sh 5 million that included Sh 3million from President Ruto to help install the irrigation project for the course.
Gachagua said the business community plays a critical role in shaping any nation’s economy; they create the much needed jobs for our country.
He said the meeting and exchanging ideas with professionals, business leaders, captains of industry and the political class during the Mount Kenya Golf Festival at the Nyeri Club was a moment to reflect on the progress of Ruto administration.
It was also a time to reflect on the administrations plan of action with key among the issues; rescucitating our economy, reforms on the Agriculture Sector notably in coffee, tea and milk subsectors.
Gachagua said they discussed the need to forge a one Kenya, united, to make our nation better where everyone is free and lives a dignified life.
Among the tens of leaders at the Golf Fest included professionals, business people, and political leaders from the 10 counties in the Mt Kenya region including Governors: Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a), Nyeri Deputy Governor David Kinaniri. Senators Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri), Kamau Murango (Kirinyaga), John Methu (Nyandarua), John Kinyua (Laikipia), Tabitha Karanja (Nakuru, also Senate Deputy Majority Leader) and Veronica Maina (Nominated).
Members of Parliament present are; Sabina Chege (Jubilee Party Leader and nominated MP), Maina Mathenge (Nyeri Town), John Kaguchia (Mukurweini), Wambugu Wainaina (Othaya), Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Benjamin Gakuya (Embakasi North) and MejjaDonk Gathiru (Embakasi Central).
Others were Peter Kihungi (Kangema), Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu), Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), Kamande Mwafrika (Roysambu), Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Mary Maingi (Mwea), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), Wachira Karani (Laikipia West), Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North), Gachoki Gitari (Kirinyaga Central), Michael Muchira (Ol Jorok) and David Kiaraho (Ol Kalou).
Also present were MPs George Gachagua (Ndaragwa), Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop), Engineer Kiragu (Limuru), Simon King’ara (Ruiru), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), Teresiah Wanjiru (Nominated), Kirima Nguchine (Imenti Central), and Julius Taitumu (Igembe North),
MPs John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Daniel Karitho (Igembe Central).Woman Representatives: Rahab Mukami (Nyeri), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia), Faith Gitau (Nyandarua), Njeri Maina alias Gaceri (Kirinyaga), Betty Njeri (Murang’a), Ann Wamuratha (Kiambu) and Susan Ngugi (Tharaka Nithi) were also present.
EALA members: Kanini Kega (who is also Jubilee Party Secretary-General) and Maina Karobia.Others present include Kenya’s nominee ambassador to India, Economist Peter Munyiri.
Former Othaya MP Gichuki Mugambi, former Nyeri Town MP Wambugu Ngunjiri.University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof Kiama Gitahi, Members of County Assemblies in the region led by Nyeri Speaker Mwangi Gichuhi, Businessmen Dan Wamahiu, Wachira Maina Keen, Peter Kanyago (former KTDA chairperson) and Linus Gitahi.
New KCC Board Chairperson David Maina as well as Principal Secretaries Alex Wachira (Energy), Ann Wangombe (Gender), Patrick Kilemi (Cooperatives), Salome Wairimu (Prisons), Patrick Mariru (Defence) were also present.