NAIROBI, Kenya- In the wake of rising political drama, internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Rift Valley have thrown their full support behind Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, vowing to stand by him through his five-year term.
These victims of the 2007/08 post-election violence, who gathered in Nakuru for a prayer meeting, expressed alarm over the “careless attacks” directed at the Deputy President.
Their concerns reflect a growing division within political circles, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, where infighting among elected leaders has intensified.
The IDPs have now joined calls to put an end to the political tensions, emphasizing the need for unity and urging elected leaders to focus on serving the people.
During the prayer meeting, the Kenya Internally Displaced Persons Association (KIDPO), led by its patron Peter H. Tena, voiced strong opposition to recent threats to impeach DP Gachagua.
According to Tena, the attacks are not just an attempt to unseat Gachagua but also to divide the Mount Kenya region’s political base in favor of certain figures aiming to inherit the Deputy President’s position.
“It’s clear that these threats are politically motivated,” Tena noted. “We stand firmly with DP Gachagua and call on leaders to stop engaging in divisive politics. It’s time to work for the people.”
The group went on to highlight that Gachagua has been the target of consistent criticism from some elected leaders, with impeachment motions being discussed.
Despite these threats, the IDPs remain unwavering in their support, stating that Gachagua and President William Ruto were given a five-year mandate, which must be honored in full.
The IDPs also drew parallels between the current political climate and the events leading up to the 2007/08 post-election violence, warning of the potential consequences if leaders allow similar divisions to grow.
They called on politicians, particularly from Mount Kenya, to avoid misleading the public into separating themselves from other regions, urging them to focus on national unity instead.
As the political landscape heats up, with various factions vying for influence within Mount Kenya and beyond, the IDPs emphasized the importance of leaders toning down their rhetoric and working together to move the country forward.
