Kenya Kwanza presidential running mate Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed allegations that he was contentious and forceful during his tenure as District Officer (DO) under the leadership of the late President Daniel arap Moi.
Gachagua rebutted claims from the opposition camp who said he served in Molo or Nakuru county. The area had suffered political conflicts during the start of multi-party general elections which led to the death of around 5,000 people and 75,000 displaced.
Nevertheless, Gachagua reported that he indeed served in Moi’s government but not in Nakuru or Molo as his political rivals claimed.
“I want to put it on record…My file number at the Office of the President is PF 611592. I served in Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Laikipia, Garissa, Turkana, Kakamega and in the Office of the President in Nairobi. I have never served in Nakuru, leave alone Molo,” He said while speaking to the Nation.
According to the Mathira MP, that story is an invention by people seeking to incite Mt Kenya residents against him.
“They want to show that I was in Molo during those troubled times. Some people want to poison the minds of Mt Kenya,” he added.
Moreover, the Kenya Kwanza presidential running mate rebuked those awakening the ghosts of his tenure and claiming that his leadership was marked with oppression. He further termed those sentiments as mere propaganda.
“I restored security in the area and locals are still happy with me. During my time in Kiambaa, I oversaw the demarcation of the Kiambaa-Kawaida ranch, Thindigua ranch and others. That is why John Njuguna Wanjiku won the by-election I campaigned for him.” Noted Gachagua.
In addition, the legislator defended his previous leadership, adding that it should not be used against him as top leaders in the country during Moi’s time did the same.
Furthermore, he noted that his performance in the areas he served speaks for itself, hence he sees nothing to apologize for.
“Anyone who is somebody in this country today served under Moi. He was the president for 24 years. Where else would we have worked? Mwai Kibaki was Moi’s deputy for 10 years. Nobody talks about that; Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila Odinga, all served under Moi,” he explained.
Likewise, the Mathira reported that he is happy with his record as a D.O. Furthermore, Rigathi mentioned that the speculations against him are propaganda as he has never appeared in any inquiry report .
