Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua finds himself at the center of a mounting political storm in Mount Kenya region ahead of the Limuru 3 meeting.
The gathering, slated to address critical issues plaguing the region, is overshadowed by internal rifts that threaten to undermine its intended purpose.
Amid the escalating tension and internal divisions, Gachagua’s efforts to foster unity and dialogue has faced staunch opposition from key figures within the Mt. Kenya region.
Gachagua, in an attempt to foster inclusivity, extended invitations to Martha Karua and Jeremiah Kioni while speaking during a church service in Embu County.
However, his invite was met with staunch opposition, with Karua rebuffing the invitation and dismissing the meeting as nothing more than a “marketplace” devoid of meaningful discourse.
One-Man-One-Shilling Formula Push by Gachagua
Adding fuel to the fire are the defections of former MPs Jude Jomo and Peter Mwathi from Jubilee camp to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
This move, according to critics highlights the changing nature of allegiances and the growing influence of alternative political platforms in Mt. Kenya region.
Peter Kenneth also weighing in on the escalating tensions, cautioned against the politicization of the meeting’s agenda.
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing substantive issues such as over taxation, corruption, and regional development projects over political posturing.
Central to Gachagua’s narrative is his advocacy for the one-man-one-shilling formula, which he views as essential for ensuring equitable resource allocation within the region.
Also Read: Gachagua Backs Uhuru’s Revenue Sharing Formula
Gachagua contended that fairness and equality should guide the distribution of revenue, aligning with his vision of Kenya Kwanza for a more just economic framework under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“We have no apologies to make. We want equality and equity. We want fairness in sharing of revenue. We will be pushing that agenda not because we come from a region that has a high population but because it is the right thing to do,” said Gachagua.
Gachagua Push for Equalization Fund Share
Moreover, Gachagua pointed out the region’s entitlement to a share of the Equalization Fund, particularly for marginalized areas like Mbeere, Kieni, and Ndeiya.
“I agree on the need to allocate funds from the Equalization Fund,”
“We have areas in this region like Mbeere, Kieni, Ndeiya that are literally semi-arid and have been forgotten. We must work on this, so they receive these funds,” stated the DP.
Also Read: UDA Amends Party Structure to End Tension About Gachagua’s Position
He argued that these neglected regions are in dire need of support to spur their development and alleviate socio-economic disparities.
As the Limuru 3 meeting looms closer, Mount Kenya finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with divergent interests and competing visions for progress.
Do you want to be part of an updated community without the interruptions of unwanted messages? Click the link below and join our WhatsApp Channel!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
