Kimani Ichung'wah Slams Gachagua for Daring Leaders to Oppose His Unity Bid in Mt Kenya: "Blackmail"

 

Kimani Ichung'wah/Rigathi Gachagua.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has fired back at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the contentious push for Mt. Kenya unity. Kimani Ichung'wah asked DP Rigathi Gachagua to respect other leaders. How Kimani Ichung'wah responded to Gachagua Gachagua asked his critics to confront him head-on, organise a rally in Mt. Kenya, and express their opposition to his unity calls. Responding to the deputy president, Ichung'wah accused the second-in-command of using the unity bid for selfish reasons. Ichung'wah harshly lectured Gachagua for allegedly demeaning elected leaders in the region who oppose his new political position. "Kenya is an indivisible state; our unity is our strength. Greed and personal aggrandisement will not divide us. We are beyond blackmail, threats, and the intimidation of personality cults and worship," Ichung'wah said. The Kikuyu MP vowed to move across Mt Kenya counties to oppose Gachagua's push for unity, insisting it was not meant to benefit the region. "We have a problem; we are not saying we unite for the sake of Mt Kenya people when we are, but we are being told everyone, including elected leaders, to follow one person to be taken where he wants. As a leader, I will not keep quiet while those leaders are being mistreated."  Ichung'wah accuses Rigathi Gachagua of blackmail Ichung'wah accused the deputy president of using the wrong tactics, including coercion, to earn respect from other leaders. "If you want to unite Mt. Kenya, you should do so while inside the Kenya Kwanza government, which we formed together, so that we deliver what we promised them. Respect is earned; it is never demanded through coercion, blackmail, or insult. You earn respect; if I am a national leader, I should earn their respect and not insult them," he stated. How Gachagua responded to Moses Kuria's criticism Meanwhile, the deputy president responded to critics in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, claiming he is fueling tribal politics. During the Annual Akorino Conference in Nakuru county on Sunday, June 9, Gachagua dismissed the narrative that his push for Mt. Kenya unity amounts to tribalism. Gachagua, who spoke in front of President William Ruto, maintained he would not relent in advocating for the interests and unity of the Mt. Kenya region.  Responding to Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, who slammed him earlier, Gachagua pointed out that the unity of Mt. Kenya does not mean hating other regions. 

by  Amos Khaemba