Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now hoping for a possible reconciliation with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Addressing attendees at the funeral of ex-Deputy Inspector General of Police, King’ori Mwangi, in Ndugamano village, Tetu constituency, Nyeri county on Saturday, Gachagua expressed his anticipation to connect with the former President who by then had left the funeral.
He aimed to extend a gesture of unity efforts to reconcile the fragmented Mt. Kenya region and possibly mend fences with the former Head of State.
“I was looking forward to meeting my friend and former boss President Uhuru Kenyatta. I wanted to come and greet him because I had not seen him for a while and tell him it was well. He is our son, we had some little disagreements but it’s over and we need to unite as a mountain,” Gachagua stated.
Reflecting on the past, Gachagua stressed that he’s dedicated to putting those disagreements behind them and moving forward.
“He served as our fourth President. We had differences with him, but those differences are now in the past. He has retired, returned home, and kept a low profile, and we respect his decision,” Gachagua said.
Adding;
“If I had met him I would have told him how much we appreciate his work in retirement. We love and pray for him, he is our brother.”
Mt Kenya region
Gachagua also offered a gesture of reconciliation to all political figures, particularly those in opposition, stating his willingness to collaborate unless they expressed otherwise.
“As a community, we must speak in one voice. Elections are now behind us so I am ready to work with all those from the region and if they want to stay on as opposition well it is within their rights to carry out the oversight role,” the DP added.
Gachagua emphasized the importance of unity among leaders in the Mt Kenya region, highlighting that the community must not repeat the mistake of splitting votes as seen in the 1990s.
During the funeral service, Uhuru shifted away from political discourse and instead celebrated the life of Mwangi, highlighting his commitment to serving the nation as a dedicated police officer.
He mentioned his upcoming attendance at the memorial for Lucy Wanjiru, the late wife of former Kipipiri MP Amos Muhinga Kimunya, expressing his solidarity with Kimunya during his time of loss.
Uhuru emphasized the importance of supporting bereaved families like that of Mwangi and Kimunya.
The former President who was in a hurry to leave also pledged a full scholarship for Mwangi’s son studying at JKUAT and donated Ksh1 million to a foundation aiding needy students, which was operated by the deceased.
