Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addresses a fundraiser event for the Peace and Mercy Church of Africa at Kipkok Primary School in Sigowet-Soin Constituency on June 8, 2024, calling for unity among Kenya Kwanza leaders. IMAGE | COURTESY
In Summary:
- Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on Kenya Kwanza leaders to abandon divisive politics and rally behind President William Ruto in delivering on development promises.
- Gachagua emphasized that with the Ruto administration barely two years in office, engaging in succession debates for 2032 is premature, disruptive, and unhelpful.
In a stern address at Kipkok Primary School in Sigowet-Soin Constituency during a fundraiser, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sent a resounding message to leaders within the Kenya Kwanza coalition – it is time to set aside divisive rhetoric and unite in supporting President William Ruto’s development agenda.
“When President Ruto wanted someone to stand with him, I was there. We campaigned for him. He is a product of our effort; our work is to support him deliver,” Gachagua stated, underscoring his steadfast commitment to Ruto’s efforts and recalling his unwavering solidarity during the campaign trail.
With the Ruto administration still in its early stages, Gachagua firmly stated that discussions surrounding the 2032 succession are misplaced and disruptive.
“I want to ask our leaders in Kenya Kwanza to drop this agitation. Drop divisive talk and [siasa za milengo] (politics of goals). Stop creating factions in our government and focus,” he urged.
The Deputy President emphasized that those harboring ambitions to succeed President Ruto should exercise patience and wait for the appropriate time.
“The most important business of the day is to ensure President Ruto succeeds. That is my focus and commitment. When people start succession politics of 2032, it causes distraction,” Gachagua asserted.
Calling for unwavering unity, he implored, “I want to ask our leaders to stop; 2032 is very far away, it is unnecessary, it is unhelpful, it is inappropriate, and it is irritating. Let all of us serve the people of Kenya and support the President to succeed.”
With Kenyans eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of the Kenya Kwanza’s development pillars, Gachagua emphasized that there is no luxury for engaging in high-stakes political maneuvering at this juncture.
Addressing rumors of a crisis within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, the Deputy President dismissed claims of an emergency meeting called by the President on Saturday afternoon, clarifying that the forum was a pre-planned gathering to discuss strengthening the party’s development ideology.
Gachagua’s stance was supported by Kericho Senator and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who echoed that there is no crisis within the UDA ranks.
As the Deputy President doubled down on his call for unity, leaders across the political divide, including Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ngéno, Kericho County MCAs, and Governor Eric Mutai, rallied behind him, acknowledging his efforts to foster peace and development within the region.
With the government’s commitment to sustainable peace along the border of Kisumu and Kericho County, Gachagua’s resounding message underscores the urgency for Kenya Kwanza to coalesce around President Ruto’s vision, setting aside internal rifts and focusing on delivering tangible progress for the people of Kenya.