- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized his successor Kithure Kindiki for hastening the politics of the Ol Kalou by-election after the death of MP David Kiaraho
- Gachagua stressed that it is disrespectful to discuss the successor before the late MP is buried, asking the leaders to wait
- He vowed to attend Kiaraho’s funeral in peace, warning against any efforts to stop him or silence dissenting voices
Former vice president Rigathi Gachagua has reprimanded his successor Kithure Kindiki for asking him to compete with Ol Kalou where by-elections are expected following the death of the local Member of Parliament David Kiaraho.
Source: Twitter
Kiaraho died on March 29 while receiving treatment in Nairobi. His death occurred after suffering from cancer for a long time.
Speaking in Nyeri on Monday, April 6, Kindiki vowed to completely defeat the Gachagua candidate in the by-election, which is the second competition between them after the Mbeere North by-election.
The ruling party United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is expected to nominate a candidate there, and Gachagua’s Democracy of the Citizens Party (DCP) will also do so.
Responding to Kindiki, the former deputy president said it is not wise to think of inheriting the position of a person who died long before he was buried.
Speaking at Kiaraho’s home on Tuesday, April 7, Gachagua said he will not participate in any politics at the moment until the deceased is buried.
“I cannot talk about the by-elections that are coming. I am old and I have respect. I cannot talk about the by-elections before Kiaraho is buried. We cannot discuss David Kiaraho’s successor before his burial. I heard Kindiki saying that he will come here to show us politics; as a society, we will not discuss the succession of anyone before he is buried. Be patient, let us bury Kiaraho. They are free to come later and meet the people,” he said.
At the same time, Gachagua insisted that he and his allies will attend the funeral service of the late MP on Wednesday, April 8, despite the confirmed presence of the President William Ruto and his partners.
Gachagua asked his followers to maintain calm and respect the president, while also asking the allies of the head of state to do the same.
The DCP leader noted that although Mount Kenya has issues with the president, the sad event will not be turned into a political battleground.
“We will attend the funeral service tomorrow. And I want to encourage all leaders to maintain peace. We want to honor the late Kiaraho in peace, we ourselves are people of peace and we respect the bereaved family. We did not come for any competition with anyone. The competition we expect is the one in August next year. For now, we welcome everyone,” he said.
At the same time, Gachagua warned Ruto’s advisers against any attempt to block opposition leaders or deny them the opportunity to speak to the mourners.
He said Nyandarua is his fortress and warned that any attempt to undermine him could lead to a serious situation.
“I want to ask Ruto’s allies not to mislead him to prevent us from speaking. Do not mislead him that he can come to Nyandarua and stop Gachagua from speaking. The people of Nyandarua are peaceful people. We have no problem with Ruto, the problem we have with him will be resolved next year. Those who intend to use booing are our supporters. The people of Nyandarua elected me as deputy president and they want me to be respected. 98 percent of the people of Nyandarua are my supporters,” he said.
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