By Emmanuel Kyengo
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has commended a section of Murang’a Members of County Assembly (MCAs) for skipping President William Ruto’s State House meeting on Friday.
The meeting, attended by over 4,000 residents and leaders including Woman Representative Betty Maina and Maragua MP Mary Waithira, was part of Ruto’s ongoing engagements with grassroots leaders.
Addressing a press briefing, Gachagua accused the president of using such forums to allegedly bribe leaders in exchange for political loyalty, citing recent delegations from Kiambu and Nyanza.
“I want to salute the Murang’a County Assembly members for rejecting attempts to compromise them. Their refusal to take the money is a bold statement that our region cannot be bought or divided,” Gachagua said.
He argued that the boycott was a sign of resistance against what he described as political manipulation targeting grassroots leaders in Mt. Kenya. According to him, such schemes are designed to weaken regional unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Instead of allocating resources to critical sectors like education and healthcare—such as school capitation and public hospital funding—the president is allegedly channeling funds into corrupt schemes,” he added. Gachagua further accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to fulfill its campaign promises.
In his address at the State House event, President Ruto dismissed tribal and divisive politics, emphasizing that his government is committed to equitable development across the country.
“There is no longer any room in Kenya for tribalistic and retrogressive politics that enrich a few at the expense of the many. We are charting a new course; one of bold, visionary leadership that transforms lives and unites our nation,” Ruto said.
The president highlighted ongoing government investments, including Sh23 billion for the construction of 10,300 affordable houses, Sh3.5 billion for road upgrades, Sh2.3 billion for 23 modern markets, and Sh3 billion for student hostels.
He added that over 10,000 households will be connected to electricity by December through an Sh850 million electrification project, while Sh2.4 billion will fund a clean water initiative in Kangema, Mathioya, Kiharu, and Kandara.
Additionally, two modern stadiums worth Sh1.5 billion are set to be constructed in the region.
