Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday welcomed Mt Kenya leaders who are in the Opposition including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to support and work with the Kenya Kwanza administration for the sake of unity of the region.
Speaking in Tetu, Nyeri county, during the funeral service of former Senior Assistant Inspector-General of Police King’ori Mwangi, Gachagua said he was ready to meet and reconcile with the retired President, stating that he had no problem with him as they were longtime friends before political differences arising from the 2022 elections.
The DP reiterated his resolve to heal the Mt Kenya community of the 2022 General Election rivalry. He called on leaders to shun divisive politics.
“I was looking forward to meeting my friend and former boss President Uhuru Kenyatta. I wanted to come and greet him because I have not seen him for a while, tell him it was well and we have a new government. He is our son and we love him. I directed the regional leaders to desist from attacking the retired President. We still love him,” said Gachagua.
The retired President had also attended the funeral service but left earlier before the Deputy President arrived.
“Uhuru and I had some little disagreements over the elections but it’s over. We had 17 years of friendship and disagreed on two years only. The issues are over and we have moved on. We made a conscious decision to work together.
“I urge those in opposition to come to us and join the government. We have no problem with anybody. We do not want divisions. We are not bitter,” said the Deputy President.
DP Gachagua also noted that the relevance of the region in national politics is based on the unity of its people.
In his message of condolence, the Deputy President eulogized King’ori Mwangi, 63, as a very principled man, who spoke from his heart truthfully and candidly.
“We have lost a distinguished public service officer. He was a hero. As Provincial Police Officer Nairobi he demonstrated wisdom in his leadership. In Mombasa, he also exhibited pragmatism and good leadership,” said Gachagua.
Leaders present at the event backed the Deputy President and praised his resolve to work with all people-both in government and the opposition.
“I am in the front supporting the Deputy President and we are solidly behind him as a region. We also support his initiatives such as the fight against illicit liquor and reforms in the agricultural sector,” said Public Service CS Moses Kuria.
Also Read: Details Of Uhuru’s Meeting With US Secretary Antony Blinken