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| Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua |
Elders from the Mt Kenya region have appealed to Kenyans to support former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua as he adjusts to life after being removed from office. GEMA Chairman Lawi Imathiu pointed out the transient nature of power, highlighting the need for leaders to be treated with respect. In a heartfelt statement issued through the Gikuyu, Embu, Meru, and Akamba Community Alliance GEMA (GCA), the elders expressed disappointment with how Gachagua was hounded out of office.
Taifa Leo reports that they urged Kenyans of goodwill and the public to stand with him and his family during this transition. GEMA Chairman Lawi Imathiu observed that, despite Gachagua’s perceived flaws, he deserved respect, and did not deserve the treatment he received. Imathiu underscored the temporary nature of leadership positions, noting that while serving the country, leaders should be treated with respect and dignity and not discarded like waste.
“The role of presidents, deputy presidents, governors, and other leaders is temporary. It’s about the service you provide to the nation, but the nation should not cast you aside like rubbish. Instead, they should regard you as one of their own, like a brother or sister,” Imathiu said, stressing the transient nature of power. What are the elders’ pleas from Kenyans
The elders, including prominent figures like former Methodist Church Bishop Bernard Kitungi, former commissioner Joseph Kaguthi, former minister Bernard Ndotto, and Canon Peter Karanja, called on Kenyans to assist Gachagua and his family as they navigate the challenges of life post-office.
They noted that such a significant loss can impact the well-being of a leader’s family, and it is the community’s role to offer support. “We remember the former deputy president and wish him and his family all the best. Remember, when someone suddenly leaves such a position, they often feel a sense of pain. Sometimes, the family faces a challenging time.
We are the people who need to support individuals like them,” they said in a joint statement, urging Kenyans to help Gachagua move forward. Acknowledging that Gachagua’s tenure had its shortcomings, the elders appealed to leaders across the country not to abandon him. “He may have had his shortcomings, but we urge you to remember him and his family so that he does not feel alone.
We ask members of parliament, senators, and all Kenyans not to abandon him but to help him move forward,” the elders said. The elders expressed gratitude to Ruto for appointing Kithure Kindiki as Gachagua’s successor and praised the president’s decision to select another leader from the Mt Kenya region.
by Didacus Malowa
