Inside Gachagua new push to unite fragmented Mt Kenya Region

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has emerged as a central force in the ongoing effort to unite the historically divided Mt Kenya region.

His strategic approach and outreach efforts are reshaping political alliances, transcending traditional divides, and signaling a new era in the region’s politics.

Already, his strategic approach and relentless outreach efforts to the opposition in the Mount Kenya region are not merely reshaping political alliances but they are crafting a new melody, signaling the dawn of a profound era.

Political observers state that the region political landscape, once marred by factionalism and historical grievances in the last election, is experiencing a harmonious transformation under Gachagua leadership as the kingpin.

Gachagua during his recent four days tour of Embu and Laikipia Counties emphasized the importance of unity in the Mount Kenya region and urged the community to rally behind President Ruto for the sake of national political harmony.

He called on the community to dismiss any attempts to sow division among them, highlighting the historical instance in 1992 when Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Nyandarua supported Mwai Kibaki, while Kiambu, Murang’a, and Nairobi backed Kenneth Matiba.

Expressing unwavering support for William Ruto, he stressed the community’s commitment to backing him fully for mutual benefit and progress.

Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruuku warned against disrespecting Gachagua as the community spokesperson.

“Any leader who fails to accord Gachagua his respect as the Deputy President and as the leader of Mt Kenya region, we shall deal with him man to man,” he said.

Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga has said that the government is one and the people should not be divided on who to support.

He noted that there is no harm when the people of Mount Kenya meet to discuss their pressing issues and thus the Mount Kenya region should not be always judged negatively while other communities in western and Rift Valley meet and talk about their issues.

“When Mount Kenya leaders meet to talk, you will start to hear people complaining but when Luhyas do so, no one complains, we must unite for the region’s unity and growth,” he said.

Martha Karua, the Narc Kenya party, along with Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni on Thursday at Fiesta hotel in Ruaka held a strategy meeting for Limuru III Conference slated for April 19^th.

A source who attended the meeting hinted to the writer that the fiesta hotel meeting in Ruaka discussed how they will mobilize the Mount Kenya community for the sake of unity and castigate the Kenya Kwanza government.

He said that they air to step in the role of opposition and be the alternative voice of the region.

“The Limuru III Conference aims to mobilize leaders and opinion influencers from the Mt Kenya region to discuss strategies for political survival and empowerment and be the alternative voice of Mount Kenya in the opposition,”he said.

Among those who attended the meeting includes Martha Karua (Nark Kenya),Jeremiah Kioni,(Jubilee)Joseph Manje (former Kajiado North MP ) among representative of fridge parties in the Mount Kenya region.

Martha Karua recently told the Nation media that the Limuru meeting will serve as a platform to address various socio-political issues affecting the community.

“The constitution allows people with common interests to come together, we are not different from other communities and we should join hands to deliberate on our future,” she said.

Jeremiah Kioni, echoing Karua’s sentiments, emphasized the urgency of the conference in addressing the region’s political vulnerabilities.

He emphasized the need for unity among leaders to counter perceived threats to the Mt Kenya community’s political relevance.

JKUAT don and political analyst Charles Mwangi has said that Gachagua’s leadership has injected a renewed sense of optimism into a region that has often grappled with internal dissent.

He said that his approach to regional unity has helped to navigate the complex political landscape and his strategy for unity is receiving acclaim from political analysts who see this as a groundbreaking moment in Mount Kenya’s political history.

“Gachagua unifying vision is a breath of fresh air in Mount Kenya’s political arena. His strategic approach is not just about alliances; it’s a comprehensive effort to heal historical wounds and foster a sense of togetherness that has been long overdue. “he said.

He urged Gachagua to take part of the planned Limuru 3 as it support the idea of unity and inclusivity noting that his outreach efforts are more than political maneuvers as they are a testament to his commitment to the people of Mount Kenya.

Former Gilgil MP Samuel Mathenge Nderitu expressed that Rigathi Gachagua is like the conductor of a unity orchestra in the region.

He likened Gachagua’s strategic actions to musical notes, each one harmoniously blending various elements to create a melody that resonates with the hopes and dreams of the people.

Nderitu emphasized the importance of backing both national unity and the government, urging Kenyans to unite and support them for the realization of development.

“We should pray for and support the unity of the national government. If they succeed, it benefits us all. If they fail, we will also face challenges with nothing to celebrate.” He said.

Additionally, he called upon President Ruto and Gachagua to work towards a national unity that can heal the country from the aftermath of the recently concluded general election.

Thuo Mathenge, the leader of the New Democrats party, informed The Star that Gachagua is surpassing conventional divisions, constructing bridges in spaces where gaps once stood and that Gachagua strategic approach on unity is paving the way for a fresh era of political collaboration.

“The Deputy President’s outreach efforts go beyond mere political maneuvers; they signify his unwavering dedication to the people of Mount Kenya. Gachagua is transcending traditional divisions, erasing gaps, and his strategic brilliance is laying the foundation for a fresh era of political collaboration,” remarked Thuo.

Thuo noted that amidst this political unity move, Gachagua alliance-building efforts and grassroots engagements form the crescendo of Mount Kenya’s evolving political narrative.

“I endorse anyone working towards the unity of the Kikuyu community, irrespective of their political affiliation. Following the recent Kimorori declaration in Kenol town, we collectively agreed that the unity of Mount Kenya is paramount and must be supported through all means,” he asserted.

Joseph Gachane, political commentator has dismissed Limuru III unity conference as nothing more than a calculated political maneuver orchestrated by Jeremiah Kioni and Martha Karua to cling to relevance amidst the chaos of national political discord.

Gachane asserted that the duo’s primary motive behind Limuru III is to orchestrate a revival of Azimio’s influence in Mount Kenya, seizing an opportune moment with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s sudden silence and Governor Mwangi Wairia’s allegiance to Kalonzo Musyoka after Raila Odinga extended a handshake to President William Ruto.

“Limuru three might not attract much-needed support as the proprietors think. Already, Karua and Kioni are attempting to exploit it for personal gain, aiming to craft a facade of relevance,” Gachane declared.

Albert Kasembeli echoed similar sentiments noting that in the face of these critical voices, the Limuru III conference stands exposed as a thinly veiled attempt to revive political ambitions for few politicians.

“The true test for Kioni and Karua will be whether they can convince the disillusioned masses that their agenda extends beyond personal ambitions and aligns with the genuine interests of the Mount Kenya region, ‘he said.

He said that for the conference to be successful and meaningful the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua must be fully involved as his strategic approach and grassroots involvement will be crucial components of a much-needed political renaissance in region.

Andrew Maringa, political analyst has stated that Rigathi Gachagua has emerged as a pivotal figure in fostering unity within the Mount Kenya Region, dedicating tireless efforts to instill a sense of unity and commitment to a shared purpose among both the populace and leadership.

“As the de facto leader of Mount Kenya, Gachagua not only commands respect but also wields considerable command and bargaining power on behalf of the region’s inhabitants,” he said.

He added that the Mount Kenya Region stands as an unyielding and robust voting bloc, united in its pursuit to advance its legislative and governmental agenda.

He said that Mount Kenya’s trajectory aligns with the leadership and vision spearheaded by Gachagua and indomitable force of unity propelling the region into a future defined by prosperity and shared success.

Isaiah Gichu, party of democratic unity ,leader said that With Mount Kenya at the forefront of national politics, Gachagua’s efforts could pave the way for a more united and empowered community, transcending traditional political fault lines.

He said that the unity of the Mount Kenya region should supersede personal interest and every candidate preaching unity should be supported at all cost.

“We support anyone supporting unity of mount Kenya, whether it’s Gachagua,Karua,Kioni or Mathenge or anyone else ,what matters is for tour people to be united and speak in one voice irrespective of political affiliation, “he said.