Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a previous address. PHOTO | Courtesy
In Summary:
- Meru leaders reject Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s “one man, one shilling, one vote” stance.
- The MPs deny any rift between President William Ruto and DP Gachagua, stressing leadership unity.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political influence in Central Kenya appears to be diminishing as more leaders from the region, including a group from Meru, distance themselves from his “one man, one shilling, one vote” campaign.
At a press conference held at Parliament buildings on Tuesday, the Meru legislators voiced their disagreement with DP Gachagua’s call for MPs to reside within their constituencies.
“If we say other areas should not get development, we will be wrong,” said Igembe South MP Paul Mwirigi, who led the delegation.
While distancing themselves from Gachagua’s sentiments, the MPs denied any knowledge of a rift between President William Ruto and his deputy.
“We support the President’s call for unity in governance,” Mwirigi stated.
“We have not seen any split between the President and his deputy. The DP accompanying the President to Korea indicates they are together.”
The MPs also chose not to engage in the ‘one man, one vote, one shilling’ debate, opting to wait for any legislative proposals before forming an opinion.
“When there is a proposal like that of BBI, which I supported, we will then give our position,” said Imenti South MP Raheem Dawood.
Mwirigi and Dawood were joined by MPs Dorothy Ikiara, Mpuru Aburi, Julius Taituma, Dan Kili, and Moses Kirema.