Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s flight to an event was cut short as his helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing at Nduriri Primary School in Nakuru County due to adverse weather conditions.
DP Gachagua who was accompanied by his wife Pastor Dorcas Rigathi was en route to a memorial service in Njoro for the late David Chepkwony, the husband of Njoro Member of Parliament Charity Kathambi.
The unscheduled landing interrupted their journey to the event scheduled at Kimugul Primary School Grounds in Mauche Ward.
Following the emergency landing, Gachagua in his true form addressed the situation with his characteristic candor and humor.
Speaking in Kikuyu, he remarked, “Since I was born, I have never set foot here,” and continued, “I was coming from Eldoret, going to Nakuru for a function. The pilot told me that the plane cannot go any further.”
Despite the abrupt change in plans, Gachagua reassured those gathered, “We were able to land, and I decided to come and see my people.”
During their time at the school, the DP and his wife engaged with the community, discussing local issues and pledging support for several initiatives.
Gachagua Interacts with Locals after Emergency Landing
Locals greeted the Deputy President and his wife with warmth, and the couple joined in singing Christian songs while taking shelter from the rain awaiting the arrival of their convoy.
The DP who had donned a green jacket promised to assist in the construction of a new classroom, a solar-powered borehole, and pit latrines for the school.
Also Read: Duale Speaks on Gachagua Using KDF Choppers & Military Fearing Him
Additionally, he promised to advocate for the Ministry of Roads to consider constructing a 7-kilometer road leading to the school.
Locals welcomed them warmly, and together, they sang Christian songs, awaiting the arrival of the DP’s convoy.
“I have talked with the school head. We shall build the grade 9 classroom and allocate Ksh9 million so that we can build toilets for the school,” added Gachagua as the locals cheered.
Following their visit, Gachagua and his wife proceeded to Kimugul Primary School Grounds later in the afternoon.
They continued their itinerary with a flight to Juja, Kiambu County, to attend the wedding of Paul Wetosi and Shiru Koimburi, the daughter of Juja MP George Koimburi.
This incident has reignited discussions regarding the reliability of official transport designated for Kenya’s second-in-command.
Recent controversies, including the alleged withdrawal of military helicopters once available to Gachagua, have fueled debate.
Apology to President Ruto after Arriving late
A public apology to President William Ruto in June, after arriving late to the Akorino National Prayer Conference in Nakuru County had further fueled the concerns about Gachagua’s treansport.
At the time, Gachagua’s private helicopter arrival was reportedly delayed due to last-minute transport changes.
The DP Rigathi arrived at the event attended by President Ruto in a private chopper, a departure from the military helicopters he was accustomed to using.
Also Read: Ruto & Gachagua Issue Clashing Unity Calls at Same Event
In an unexpected turn of events, the DP arrived late in the conference which led to it facing a significant shift in the arrival protocols due to his delay.
Gachagua made his entrance nearly an hour after the service commenced, prompting a reshuffle in the seating arrangements.
In his speech the DP had to apologize to President Ruto for coming in late, citing transport issues and adverse weather conditions.
“I want to apologize to you because of coming late you know I am not an indiscipline person. I was a uniformed officer, and, in your government, I am the most disciplined person. Had some trouble with my transport arrangements and then we had weather issues where the take-off was delayed. I was stuck between Longonot and Naivasha for two hours,” he explained.
Besides the Nakuru incident, other reports indicated that DP Gachagua has in the past faced other multiple instances of being denied access to military helicopters for official duties.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2
