Gachagua Opens Door for Ruto’s Mt Kenya Allies, Sets Conditions Before Welcoming Them Back

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However, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader has made it clear that the legislators must first return to the grassroots, face residents and personally seek forgiveness before being fully welcomed back.

Gachagua delivered the message on Saturday, November 14, during the burial of his elder sister, Eunice Nyangari Gachagua, in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County.

The 77-year-old died on November 5 in Naro Moru, with her burial attracting several political leaders from different parties.

Speaking during the ceremony, Gachagua revealed that he had consulted religious leaders, including bishops, who advised him to forgive politicians who had fallen out with him and the Mt Kenya community.

He said he had accepted their advice and was prepared to give the leaders another opportunity to rebuild their relationship with residents.

"I want to appeal to everyone now to come back home. I have been told by bishops, even those who betrayed our community, we forgive them, and we have forgiven them," Gachagua said.

He added that the politicians should engage directly with residents, arguing that the community itself should have an opportunity to decide whether to accept them back.

"Come back home and speak to the wananchi. They will forgive you," he added.

Despite extending the invitation, Gachagua maintained that political leaders should abandon actions he considers harmful to the interests of the Mt Kenya region.

He argued that unity was necessary to preserve the community's interests and urged the legislators to reconsider their political positions.

MPs caught between Gachagua and Ruto

Gachagua's remarks come amid continued political differences with several Mt Kenya legislators who have maintained their support for President William Ruto's administration.

Among the politicians associated with the President's camp are National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau and Gatundu South MP Elijah Kururia.

Others include Betty Maina of Murang'a, Anne Muratha of Kiambu, Rahab Mukami of Nyeri, Jane Kagiri of Laikipia, Simon King'ara of Ruiru and John Kawanjiku of Kiambaa.

Ichung'wah has previously accused Gachagua of promoting hatred and tribalism, claims that have contributed to their public political disagreements.

Some legislators have defended their continued association with Ruto's administration, arguing that working with the government enables them to push for development projects and resources for their constituencies.

Ruto meets Kiambu legislators at State House

The political differences have also played out against the backdrop of renewed engagement between the President and elected leaders from the Mt Kenya region.

On Friday, November 13, a section of Kiambu MPs met Ruto at State House in Nairobi, where discussions focused on development projects being undertaken in the county.

Following the meeting, the President highlighted major infrastructure plans, including the dualling of Kiambu Road and the construction of the Nairobi-Thika Expressway.

Ruto said the projects were intended to improve transport, ease movement and strengthen connectivity within the Nairobi Metropolitan region.

In his statement, the President reiterated his administration's commitment to ensuring that all counties and communities benefit from development programmes.

Gachagua's latest appeal now places the question of reconciliation before the Mt Kenya politicians who have remained in the President's camp, with the former Deputy President insisting that returning to the community must begin with engaging wananchi and seeking their forgiveness.

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