Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Reaffirms Call for Leaders to Respect the People of Mt. Kenya
Without directly mentioning anyone, Gachagua reminded them that “the people from the region are very forgiving but they don’t forget”.
Speaking at the interdenominational funeral service for the 21 Hillside Academy victims at Mweiga Stadium, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua emphasized that the people of the region should be treated with the kindness and respect they deserve.
“These people were there, they are there today and they will be there tomorrow. I appeal to everybody to treat the people of the mountain with kindness because it is the right thing to do,” he stated.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was among several leaders attending the solemn service, also delivered President William Ruto’s condolence message. Other leaders present included Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, among other local officials.
In his message, President Ruto assured the grieving families that the government would continue to support them as investigations into the tragic incident proceed. He expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and the entire school community.
“May we be comforted by the word of the Lord in the book of Psalm 34:18-The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit,” he said.
President William Ruto also emphasized the need for strict compliance with boarding regulations in all learning institutions nationwide to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, addressing the crowd during the interdenominational funeral service for the 21 Hillside Academy victims, assured Deputy President Gachagua of his unwavering support amid what he described as attempts to divide the Mt. Kenya region. Wamalwa pledged full backing for the region and expressed concern over rumors of efforts to destabilize it, similar to previous divisions within the opposition.
“We are aware of attempts to create division in this region, but let it be clear: Mt. Kenya has friends. Those trying to cause chaos here should be warned,” Wamalwa stated.
He said:
“When you see Kalonzo here, he is a friend of the mountain, he was the vice president of late president Mwai Kibaki during his first term…When you see Wamalwa here, Wamalwa was the Kibaki’s vice president during the first term,” he said.
