- The former Vice President, Rigathi Gachagua, has criticized journalists in Northern Kenya for refusing to hold a meeting with him, claiming that the decision was due to external pressure
- A media briefing session, which was scheduled to highlight the challenges facing Northern Kenya, failed after journalists did not show up to express their concerns
- Gachagua said he will continue his visits to Garissa, Wajir and Mandera, noting if local leaders would allow him to speak freely with residents
- Although aware of the fear of hatred, the former Mathira Member of Parliament insisted that no effort will stop him
Former Vice President, Rigathi Gachaguahas expressed dissatisfaction after journalists in Northern Kenya boycotted a meeting with him after external pressure.
Source: Facebook
The new effort to visit Northern Kenya follows a failed agenda of media interviews focused on the region’s challenges.
Gachagua had told political leaders from North Eastern Kenya that they have neglected the residents while living comfortably in Nairobi.
Reporters scheduled to interview him later withdrew, expressing concern about his recent speech and what they called divisive ideological language.
In a joint statement, the journalists said they could not provide a platform that would encourage dangerous narratives, stressing that the interview was not in line with their professional principles.
They said that Gachagua’s recent public statements highlighted ethnic and geographic divisions at a time when the country needed unity.
Is Gachagua worried about his safety in Northern Kenya?
Gachagua emphasized that he will continue his communication with the residents of Garissa, Wajir and Mandera, saying that he understands the intensity of hatred but is confident that the youth will protect him during the visit.
Speaking after the failed round table interview, Gachagua questioned whether leaders from the area would allow him to speak freely with the residents.
The politician that fear has been used as a tool to silence opposing voices, feeling that he would face the same situation.
“I would like to go to Northern Kenya. My only concern is this: if the accountants who try to go there are harassed, and some members of parliament are organizing violence. They shoot to scare the accountants. So, if I go and talk to the people of Northern Kenya, will they accept me, or will they plan to shoot me?” Gachagua asked.
Why is Gachagua not afraid to visit Mount Kenya?
Despite the fear, Gachagua said it was not called and he used the example of similar results in Mt. Kenya area.
The former Member of Parliament for Mathira said he was facing the same opposition, proving that he would not go cold.
“I am not afraid. Even here at home, William Ruto sends thugs to attack me every weekend, and I still go. We face them until we succeed in talking to people. So I will go to Garissa, I will go to Wajir, and I will go to Mandera. What will happen will happen. I know the youth will protect me,” he said, adding that he will continue his visit to the north regardless of the opposition.
Source: Facebook
Gachagua asked the leaders of Northern Kenya not to plan violence, warning that such actions will make him more popular politically.
He explained how the human mind works in secret, saying the people of Northern Kenya now resist seeing the situation.
“I hope these leaders do not plan violence against us. I hope they will not be like Ruto here in the mountain area, organizing thugs to threaten us and force the police to throw tear gas. And even if they do, we become more popular. In fact, if I go to Garissa and they stop me from talking to people, that will make people trust me more,” he said.
The former Vice President emphasized that his main audience is local residents who are not reached by social media.
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