Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria were today embroiled in a public disagreement during the burial of Murang’a investor Gerald Gikonyo.
Gikonyo, who passed away at 110 years old, leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a pioneer investor. His contributions spanned real estate, entertainment, and government contracts, with the Rwathia Group of Companies standing as a testament to his business acumen. The company’s 67-year history makes it one of Kenya’s most enduring enterprises. At the funeral, Gachagua took the opportunity to emphasize what he sees as crucial issues for the Mt Kenya community: unity and fair resource distribution. He pledged to continue championing these causes, arguing they are vital for the region’s prosperity.
The Deputy President criticized those opposing his calls for unity, accusing them of promoting division and envy. He also stressed the importance of supporting local business leaders and protecting them from malicious attacks. In stark contrast, Kuria accused the Deputy President of adopting a victim mentality, describing him as a “crybaby.” Kuria suggested that Gachagua should leverage his position and resources more effectively to benefit the community. He advocated for a focus on hard work, resilience, and strategic thinking rather than fostering a sense of victimhood.
The clash deepened as Gachagua alleged that some senior government officials were conspiring against him. He claimed that a Cabinet Secretary has been holding clandestine meetings with Members of County Assemblies from the Mt Kenya region, offering financial incentives to undermine his position. Gachagua asserted that these officials were part of a broader scheme to spread propaganda about him. Kuria responded to these allegations by acknowledging that he had indeed met with a group of MCAs.
However, he maintained that the purpose of the meeting was to encourage their unity in supporting President William Ruto’s administration. Kuria admitted to providing financial assistance to cover the MCAs’ travel expenses for the meeting. Throughout the exchange, Gachagua positioned himself as a voice for the people, asserting that his advocacy for unity and the “one-man, one-vote, one-shilling” campaign represents the will of the Mt Kenya region. He dismissed his critics as mere intermediaries, accusing them of receiving payments to sabotage his efforts.
