Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is accused of demanding for Mount Kenya unity and revenue share largely seen as tribalistic.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said that while regional unity is important in any part of the country, Gachagua is out of order in seeking “ethnic sectarian interests” while holding a national office.
“Open and direct involvement in pursuing ethnic or other sectarian interests while holding a national office whose services are for the defense of the national interest is unconstitutional and a violation of public trust,” Kindiki said.
Gachagua hails from Mount Kenya region. He touched off a political storm last month when he vowed to champion the One-Man-One-Vote-One-Shilling revenue-sharing formula, saying Mount Kenya deserves to get its fair share due to its large population.
This has left him isolated as leaders from various regions accused him of ignoring the rest of the country to champion for interests of his own community.
However, President William Ruto has warned against tribalism and regionism saying that Kenya should not slide into such dangerous path.
“We are blessed as a nation, and the time for ethnic politics is over. Countries like Sudan, DRC, and Haiti are looking up to us,” said Ruto Speaking at the 2024 Annual Akorino Prayer Conference at Nakuru Boys’ High School on Sunday.
“There is no room for tribal politics in my government. I assure Kenyans that we will never go back to the politics of ethnicity and personalities. I have been in politics for a long time and understand the dangers of divisive politics based on ethnicity. I urge you to avoid the slippery road of dividing Kenyans based on tribalism,” he said during the Madaraka Day celebrations held at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma County.
