Mt Kenya elders have called out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for repeated public attacks on Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Led by Meru region chairman Adriano Aruyaru, the elders observed that Kindiki deserved the highest respect, not only by virtue of his national office but also by his ranking as a senior elder in their traditional councils.
More than 3,000 elders from across Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Isiolo counties are represented in the Meru region council.
Speaking in Runyenjes during a joint meeting termed The Runyenjes Declaration, elders who were representing the Njuri Ncheke (Meru and Tharaka Nithi), Nyangi Ndiriri (Embu), and Ngome (Mbeere) councils reaffirmed their earlier stand on September 15, 2024.
At the time, the elders went public and withdrew their support for Gachagua and supported Prof. Kindiki, who was the CS for Interior at the time, as their preferred leader..
“Prof Kithure Kindiki is the deputy president of Kenya and a Njuri Ncheke elder; he must be respected,” Aruyaru stated.
“Stop Insulting Kindiki!” Mt Kenya Elders Warn
The elders asked Gachagua to respect President William Ruto and DP Kindiki, whom they indicated were the legitimate leaders of the nation.
Meru region chairman Aruyaru reminded Gachagua that leadership comes with responsibility and dignity.
“Rigathi Gachagua, stop insulting Kindiki. You say he has no bass, but people listen when he speaks and respect him,” Aruyaru said. “Respect the leaders of the country..”
The elders said in no uncertain terms that they are in total support of the government of the day. They explained that anyone who wishes to win their support ought to wait for the general election of 2027 and request it via the ballot.
“Njuri Ncheke works with the government of the day. We cannot work with the Opposition, wait for elections in 2027, and whoever wins will be the president of Njuri Ncheke,” Aruyaru said.
Elders Laud Parliament for Impeaching Gachagua
The elders at the same time praised Parliament for what they termed a lawful and just impeachment of Gachagua and applauded the unanimous appointment of Prof. Kindiki as Deputy President.
They also lauded Kindiki’s leadership in his first eight months in office, commending his commitment to discipline, development, and national unity.
“Anyone attacking Prof. Kindiki is attacking all of us,” they declared. “We stand with our Deputy President and will not allow political chaos to return to our region.”
In a unified call, they urged Prof. Kindiki to stay focused on his mandate, work closely with President Ruto, and deliver development across the country.
They also encouraged him to continue uniting the traditionally fragmented Mt. Kenya East and West politically.
