President William Ruto’s allies have called on Meru residents to shun former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s political rallies when he tours the region this weekend.
Led by Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku and Water CS Eric Mugaa, Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Gabriel Kagombe (Gatundu South) and politician Paul Mugambi, the leaders said the opposition had nothing to offer Mt Kenya residents.
CS Ruku has joined Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in traversing the Mt Kenya EAST region to pacify residents who have been pessimistic about the government’s commitment to achieve its development agenda.
Gachagua is expected in Meru for a three day tour to popularise the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) days after traversing the coast and Ukambani regions.
The impeached DP will be hosted by DCP’s Organizing Secretary Mithika Linturi as well as PNU party leader Peter Munya. They will also be accompanied by other opposition chiefs.
Speaking at New Zion Church at Kiguchwa in Tigania East, Ruku defended the president’s track record saying a lot of work is being done to deliver development across the country.
“The president and his deputy deserve another chance in 2027 because a lot of work is being done. Do not listen to the noise from the opposition because they are making a lot of noises here in the mountain,” CS Ruku said citing rural electrification, construction of markets, roads and housing projects as some of President Ruto’s record in the region.
The CS and the MPs hit out at Gachagua over his recent remarks targeting politicians from the region who are allied to the president.
“Those calling themselves cousins have no direction. Insulting MPs by calling them fools for supporting the government, will be their Waterloo. After insulting all MPs from this region, we cannot allow such leaders to sail through,” CS Ruku added.
He said despite political backlash from religious circles, the president had instructed his team to work closely with churches.
“The president has given us clear instructions to work closely with the church. He has told us that we must respect the church leaders and this is why we are supporting churches across the country.
The church has immensely contributed in the development of education and health sectors,” Mr Ruku said.
Aburi urged residents of his constituency to give Gachagua’s meetings a wide berth next weekend.
“Despite having vied on a different political party, I have vowed to remain a staunch supporter of the president. We will not be lied to by those not in government,” Aburi said.
Rindikiri said “no amount of sweet words would make him abandon President Ruto’s camp.”
“The former deputy president insulted me on my face, by calling me a fool. I cannot follow such a person.
We will not be wooed to their side because of the name cousin. When he comes here next weekend, tell him that we are behind the president,” Rindikiri said.
According to Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe, those aligned to president Ruto have made their minds to defend him to the end.
“Gachagua wants us to join him in making empty political statements. Tell him that we will not buy his tired narrative. The people of Mt Kenya should be wary of wolves in sheep’s skin,” Kagombe said.
Recently, the DCP Party appointed Mr Timothy Kithinji as Meru County branch chairman and Patrick Muriungi as the County Coordinator in a bid to strengthen its presence in the region.
During the three day tour of Meru, Gachagua and team will make stop overs in about 15 towns from Friday to Sunday.
