By Our Correspondents
Nyeri leaders have vowed to defend Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as he seeks to protect the interest of the mountain region.
Led by Governor Mutahi Kahiga, the leaders have in the last few days told off DP critics saying, they should adjust, accept reality and live with the fact that he is now the new regional kingpin.
The leaders have criticised a trend where when the region leaders raise concern on the mountain matters or when a few leaders from the area meet, they are labeled as tribalist but when others do the same, no finger is ever raised.
On several occasions, the leaders have noted, other region leaders have held meetings to strategise on their wellbeing and such passes off as nothing has happened.
“We shall no longer accept to be intimidated for seeking the wellbeing of our people. We shall solidily rally behind Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as our kingpin and chat the way forward for our people,” the Nyeri County governor has on numerous occasions said, urging leaders in the region to support the DP’s effort in uniting the region.
On Thursday, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga led Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi and Murang’a County Women Representative Betty Maina in echoing the area governor’s sentiments.
Speaking during the burial of the late Wakiberenge at Tumutumu area, the trio alongside several other leaders present said they would at all cost support and defend the Deputy President.
They said time was up for the region leadership to come out and openly criticise hypocrisy exhibited by leaders in other regions who took every opportunity to demonise unity of purpose by mountain people.
They sad they fully supported call by the Deputy President to the effect that any decision made on running of Nairobi and which had economic implications on the region must be well thought out and regional leadership (Gachagua) consulted.
Apart from the political leadership, the newly appointed chairman of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) chairman Anthony Munyiri who hails from the area also attended.
The leaders thanked the Deputy President for lobbying for appointment of regional residents in key government positions.