- The mass of mourning in Nyandarua county for the late Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou Njuguna Kiaraho hesitated for a short time in confusion, while shouts in support of Rigathi Gachagua were heard
- Kinangop Member of Parliament Zachary Kwenya Thuku fueled the situation with remarks interpreted as coded criticism against Gachagua
- The situation worsened after Thuku invited Gachagua to speak, before a brief confusion arose when Moses Wetang’ula stepped forward instead
A brief moment of confusion at a memorial service in Nyandarua County quickly turned into a politically charged event.
Source: Facebook
This happened after the noise associated with the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua filled the air when he was invited to speak at an event attended by President William Ruto.
Who provoked the political situation during the Nyandarua ritual?
The incident happened on Wednesday, April 8, during the mourning mass of the late Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou Njuguna Kiaraho, an event that attracted many political leaders as well as residents.
What began as a gathering of grief quickly turned into a different direction, reflecting the political currents that are increasingly emerging in the Mt Kenya region.
Kinangop Member of Parliament Zachary Kwenya Thuku was among the first to stir up the situation with a speech that seemed to have a veiled criticism aimed at Gachagua.
Although he did not name him directly, the lawmaker spoke of strength against what he called incitement and distortion, assuring him Ruto continuous support from the region.
He explained that finally the residents of Mount Kenya will see and analyze the truth from what he called the lies of Ruto’s critics.
“Just know from where we are, the leaders from this county, you have our unwavering support to ensure that you push this country forward. It will not be easy, but I assure you that you will get more support from this county and from our electoral areas to continue. It may seem as if people are being incited, people are being told lies but the truth will stand. The truth will stand and that is my position because the truth is good and when the truth is revealed, the lies separate,” he announced.
Why did confusion occur during Nyandarua worship?
His remarks set the stage for what followed as he continued to announce what seemed to be going against the expected schedule.
The MP invited Gachagua to address the mourners before proceeding with the program for the day, which drew cheers from the crowd.
“I want to take this opportunity to welcome the former Deputy President to say that when he finishes his, let’s continue with the schedule. Welcome the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” he said.
However, the invitation did not immediately lead to Gachagua taking the stage, with a brief confusion emerging as the schedule changed, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula stepped forward.
The unexpected change provoked reactions from a section of the crowd who chanted “Wantam”, a slogan associated with Gachagua’s campaign to make Ruto a one-term president.
The situation further aggravated the political trend that had emerged before the event that was expected to pay respect to the late member of parliament.
Source: Facebook
Wetang’ula continued to call the MPs who were scheduled to present the song, temporarily setting aside the invitation previously given to Gachagua.
Despite the disruption, the schedule continued, with MPs paying their respects before Wetang’ula resumed his role, listing leaders from the National Assembly and the Senate who attended the service.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
