Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. PHOTO/@rigathi/X
In Summary:
- Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua defends his recent political views amid criticism from within the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the Central region.
- Gachagua emphasizes that his political stance reflects the needs and voices of his constituents, not his personal beliefs.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended his recent political views, which have sparked controversy among some leaders in the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the Central region.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of new classrooms at Highway Manyatta Primary School in Ruai, Gachagua clarified that his shift in political views, especially concerning the Mt. Kenya leadership and the ‘one man, one vote, one shilling’ policy, is a response to the demands of his constituents rather than his personal opinions.
He stressed that he serves as a representative for the people, noting that his current political stance and seemingly unpopular beliefs are not his own, but rather the collective voice of those he represents.
“Mimi sina sauti katika hii Kenya. Mimi ni mtu wa kuskiza ground, ukiskia kitu ninasema ni ile ground inasema. Mimi kama Rigathi Gachagua sina sauti yangu, mimi naongeanga kwa niaba. Ukiskia nimechukua msimamo fulani, iko watu wengi sana nyuma yangu wananiambia msimamo ni huo,” he said.
Loosely translated:
“In Kenya, I do not have my own voice. I listen to the people; if you hear me say something, it is because the people are speaking. As Rigathi Gachagua, I have no personal voice; I speak on behalf of many. If you hear me take a particular stance, it is because many people are behind me, guiding that position,” he stated.
The Deputy President also warned elected leaders against disregarding their constituents and the general populace.
In a pointed critique, Gachagua accused leaders of enriching themselves and then dismissing the concerns of ordinary Kenyans once they are content.
Gachagua’s remarks come after weeks of tension with President William Ruto, during which the President and his allies have accused the Deputy President of fostering national disunity through tribal politics.
Gachagua has been a vocal advocate for Mt. Kenya unity and has been pushing for the adoption of the contentious ‘one man, one vote, one shilling’ revenue-sharing formula.