In a fervent address at the Consecration and Installation Ceremony of Rev. Harrison Munyua at the Redeemed Church in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Rigathi Gachagua, former Deputy President, offered a spirited critique of the current political scene. He voiced apprehensions concerning President William Ruto’s scheduled visit to the Mt. Kenya region, raising the question: “What tangible benefits will this visit bring for the people of Mt. Kenya?”
Gachagua, in his animated speech, advised the residents of Mt. Kenya to negotiate substantial payments from political mobilizers. He highlighted that Ruto’s expected tour of the region seemed politically charged and advised locals to leverage the offered money for the mobilization to their advantage. He put it succinctly, “If you are going to listen to promises, make sure you get a good price for it. Do not sell yourself short. After all, we elected President Ruto without any financial gains, so now it’s time to ask for what’s overdue.”
Such statements evoke an age-old debate: do political visits truly serve the development of a region or do they merely fulfill partisan agendas? Gachagua’s insights pose this provocative inquiry while emphasizing the need for residents to demand fair compensation for their attendance at political rallies.
Furthermore, Gachagua took the moment to criticize Chief of Defense Forces General Charles Kahariri, offering a firm caution against military intervention in political matters. Gachagua didn’t mince his words when he urged, “The military’s place is on the borders safeguarding our country, not in the thick of political chants or rallying cries. Let General Kahariri focus on the safety of the nation, not the slogans of the street.”
The political climate brewed with intensity as President Ruto prepared to step foot in the Mt. Kenya region, facing a complex reception catalyzed by recent impeachment efforts. Gachagua’s rhetoric added fuel to the fire, as he candidly defended the mantra “Ruto Must Go,” asserting its legitimacy as a rallying cry in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.
Yet another point of conflict highlighted by Gachagua lies in the alleged manipulation of police forces to clamp down on political dissent. His words struck a chord, resonating with the common man’s plight: “The men and women in uniform are no different from us. They face the same escalating prices, experience the same struggles. They should not be pawns in a political chess game.”
Through these remarks, Gachagua not only painted a vivid picture of societal unrest but also spotlighted how entangled politics has become in realms meant to stay impartial. His speech strings together a tapestry of frustrations, aspirations, and a call for greater integrity in the realm of political engagement and policy execution.
Musing over these developments, one might recall the evocative words of Thomas Jefferson: “The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Gachagua’s voice echoes this sentiment, reverberating the need for a politics that serves instead of divides.
As political actors maneuver in and out of stages, halls, and regions, it’s critical to reflect continuously: are these dialogues in the best interests of the nation’s citizens, or are they merely echoes of ambitions echoing against the concrete walls of legislative chambers?
In closing, Gachagua’s passion underscores a vital dialogue about democracy, state power, and its implications for the future of Kenya. As the country traverses this political terrain, these questions will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, shaping the contours of its democratic evolution.
