Maragua MP Mary Waithera with MCAs and residents at a press briefing on June 8. IMAGE: Alice Waithera
In Summary:
- MP Waithera defends Deputy President Gachagua’s efforts to unite Mt. Kenya.
- Claims that forces opposing Gachagua fear the region’s voter strength.
Maragua MP Mary Waithera has defended Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, arguing that the narrative against him is driven by those opposed to the unity of the Mt. Kenya region.
Last week, MP Kimani Ichung’wa accused some leaders of pandering to local villagers. However, Waithera insists that Gachagua’s efforts to unify Mt. Kenya are being undermined by forces that fear the region’s potential when united.
Several Murang’a leaders, including Waithera and five MCAs, have shown their support for Gachagua’s initiative.
Speaking in her constituency on Saturday, Waithera emphasized that all political endeavors begin at the grassroots level, questioning why there is discomfort with efforts to unify the region.
“We are in a bottom-up government. Everything starts at the village level and everyone comes from a village. What wrong has Gachagua done by trying to solidify his backyard?” Waithera asked.
She suggested that local leaders opposing the region’s unity are either confused or compromised.
“Those accusing Gachagua of being a villager for addressing regional issues should be investigated. They might have been paid to oppose him,” she asserted.
Waithera highlighted that the forces inciting conflicts within the region are wary of its large voter base and seek to destabilize it.
She urged Gachagua to continue his efforts to bring residents together.
Waithera also questioned why calls for unity in the Mt. Kenya region are labeled as tribal, while other regions are encouraged to consolidate their leadership.
She cited the coastal region’s unified stance against muguka and Speaker Moses Wetangula’s recent meeting with Western leaders to discuss unity and development without facing similar accusations.
“Who accused him of being tribal? We have no apology for being members of the Mt. Kenya community. If there’s another reason behind the attacks on Gachagua, let us know,” she demanded, emphasizing that national unity must begin at the local level.
Waithera, a close ally of Gachagua, also supported his call for the “One Man, One Shilling, One Vote” revenue-sharing formula, urging those with differing views to engage in constructive dialogue.
“Those advocating for ‘One Man, One Vote, One Kilometre’ are entitled to their stance because it serves their people’s needs. If you call me a villager for supporting my constituents, so be it. We are asked to unite during elections, but when we discuss unity, we are labeled tribal,” she noted.
Gitugi MCA Edwin Mwangi echoed Waithera’s sentiments, stating that as leaders closely connected with the grassroots, their politics is inherently village-centric.
He affirmed that residents support the Deputy President and are indifferent to leadership conflicts.
Maragua resident Elizabeth Nyawira also defended Gachagua, recalling his efforts to combat illicit brews, which significantly benefited local families.
“Calling him a villager is an insult to us. We voted for him just as we voted for you,” she remarked.