National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has openly criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s focus on regional politics, urging him to embrace a broader national unity approach. Speaking on Sunday, Ichung’wah reminded the Deputy President that his role entails uniting all Kenyans, not just those from his Mt. Kenya region.
“If we truly believe that we hold offices that bestow on you the role of being a symbol of national unity, seek to unite the people of Kenya, not the people of Mt. Kenya,” Ichung’wah stated. “If I am the leader of the majority in the republic of Kenya, I am not the leader of the majority in Mt. Kenya alone. I should seek to unite the people of Kenya.”
In a separate event in Naivasha, Gachagua defended his unity campaign, asserting that his intention is not to antagonize anyone. He emphasized that his goal is to ensure national unity and dismissed claims that his efforts are divisive.
“I am on record as a great peacemaker. The unity we are calling for is not against anybody; it is the unity of purpose. The unity we are calling for is the unity of Kenya, and we are doing it bottom up,” Gachagua said.
Ichung’wah also criticized Gachagua’s recent remarks suggesting that critics of his unity initiative should voice their concerns within the Mt. Kenya region rather than in other parts of the country. Gachagua, speaking in Nyeri, had challenged critics to address their concerns locally.
“If you think the talks of unity aren’t good, don’t talk in Rift Valley or Western. Come here and call for a gathering and tell the people why unity isn’t good,” Gachagua said.
However, Ichung’wah argued that respect must be earned and not demanded, adding that he will continue to speak out about issues affecting any part of the country.
“If you are a national leader, I must earn the respect of other leaders,” Ichung’wah stated. “We are being told that everyone in Mt. Kenya, including elected leaders, should follow one person to be taken where he wants. If you want to unite Mt. Kenya, you should do so within the Kenya Kwanza government.”
