Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has assured Kenyans of their safety as the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party continues its anti-government protests on Thursday.
The deputy president said the government will go to whatever length possible to safeguard the lives and property of Kenyans.
Speaking from his Nyeri backyard, DP Gachagua steered clear of the accusations levelled against him over the Northlands farm invasion associated with the Kenyatta family but stated that the government will protect the properties of all Kenyans rich or poor.
DPGachagua also mounted a strong defence for National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah who has recently come under heavy criticism over claims of incitement.
“I want to assure the people of Kenya that tomorrow Kenyans should go to work and open their businesses…the government has made elaborate arrangements to protect life and property,” said DP Gachagua.
The second-in-command hinted at a possible bolstering of police presence as he issued a subtle warning to the protesters.
“As you plan your demonstrations tomorrow…as you plan to destroy property, know that the government will protect life and property tomorrow in Nairobi and in other towns,” stated the DP.
With police laxity and inaction to the invasion of Northlands Farm associated with the family of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta continuing to raise questions, the Deputy President carefully reacted to the matter, however steering clear of the accusations of his alleged involvement.
“The government has the mandate to protect the life and property of the rich and the powerful equally the same government protects has the obligation to protect the life and property of ordinary Kenyans, the government will protect both,” DP Gachagua said.
Kirinyaga Senator James Murango added: “Tuko na Senator anaitwa Sifuna aliambia watu Kisumu mkiona chakula mkule, mwingine akafunga mbuzi zake kwa barabara, wakafuata Sifuna wakabeba kondoo za wenyewe…Azimio ndio wanafaa kujibu wale walikuwa kule, walitoka wapi na walitumwa na nani?”
The DP appeared to defend the police from criticisms over the manner in which they handled the protesters.
“When he called for these demos, he knew there had been no peaceful demos in the country; it’s about violence and destruction of property…since he started the demos no business has taken place in Nairobi CBD,” DP Gachagua claimed.
The Kenya Kwanza leaders further hit out at the opposition accusing them of hiding behind the cost of living in the guise of their quest for a handshake and a share of government.
“He is trying to blackmail us into talks, I want to confirm to the people of Kenya that the government shall not give in to blackmail and nobody will come to power through violence,” the DP maintained.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara satted: “Kanisa muongee na Raila kivyake muulize anataka nini sababu kama ni gharama ya maisha, iko juu kila mahali hakuna mahali haina hiyo shida.”
“Hakuna duka tunafunga hata moja na hakuna kitu ya mtu ataguza huko kwetu,” Njoroge Wainaina , Othaya MP, added.
While defending Ichung’wah from criticism over his utterances targeting the Kenyatta family, DP Gachagua hit out at retired President Kenyatta accusing him of using Azimio leaders to muzzle upcoming Mt. Kenya leaders.
“Nimeona wanataka kuingilia Ichung’wah na Ndindi Nyoro. Mimi hawaniwezi, kama wanataka kutujua waulize Uhuru Kenyatta, anatujua vizuri, alitupiga vita na hakutuweza, na sasa ataweza akiwa nje ya serikali?” He posed.
The former president was also blamed for the leadership crisis faced by the Central Kenya region.
“This region will never again find itself in the situation Uhuru left us without leadership structure. I want to assure them of my and the president’s support. We will mentor them,” the DP claimed.
With President Ruto expected to jet back into the country on Thursday evening, attention will shift to him as pressure continues to pile on him and his political nemesis to settle their scores.
