Betty Maina Changes Stand, Declares Support for DP Gachagua

In a surprising turn of events, Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina has publicly shifted her stance, now expressing support for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

This comes just days after she made critical remarks about the Deputy President, calling for a more inclusive approach to leadership within the Mt. Kenya region.

In a recent Facebook post, Betty Maina had criticized Gachagua’s leadership style, accusing him of coercing leaders into submission and blaming him for the discord within the region.

She urged for a more open dialogue among Mt. Kenya leaders, free from what she described as “bullying” tactics. “The unity of Mt. Kenya will not be defined by the ability of elected leaders to praise and worship one leader forcefully and under coercion,” Maina posted.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua received an electrifying welcome today at Sagana town as he was invited by President William Ruto to address the residents of Sagana, Kirinyaga County. pic.twitter.com/WhqOKZMyky

— Plo Sigei (@PloSigei) August 10, 2024

Maina also referenced the retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, highlighting the development projects he initiated in the region during his tenure.

She accused Deputy President Gachagua of disrespecting the former President, including the raid on Kenyatta’s farm and the insults directed at him during President William Ruto’s inauguration.

However, just days after this post, Maina appeared to have had a change of heart. In a subsequent post, she expressed support for the government, urging unity within the Mt. Kenya region behind President Ruto and his deputy.

“When the villagers unite with Tukunia and the Komerera, the President and his Deputy will go for 10 years,” she wrote, adding, “We must not take our people to opposition while others are struggling to join the Government that our people struggled to bring to power.”

The sudden reversal has sparked widespread speculation about the motivations behind her change of stance, with some observers suggesting political pressure or realignment within the ruling coalition.

Maina’s initial criticism and subsequent support reflect the ongoing tensions and shifting alliances within the Mt. Kenya political landscape..