This rivalry, which has been brewing for some time, was dramatically highlighted during a tragic event in the Mathioya constituency, Murang'a County, where a landslide buried several families alive.
The landslide in Mathioya was a devastating disaster for the local community. The catastrophe claimed the lives of several individuals and left many more displaced. The aftermath saw 52 families being accommodated at Ngutu Secondary School. The local community was in mourning, and the tragedy drew a significant response from politicians and government officials.
On a Tuesday following the disaster, the area saw an unusual turn of events. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s office had organized the visit to Kiganjo village to address the affected families. Gachagua's team had been on the ground early, preparing the venue for his visit.
However, in an unexpected move, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, along with MPs Edwin Mugo, Bettie Maina, and Senator Joe Nyutu, arrived in a chopper before Gachagua. This sudden appearance created confusion among the locals, who initially mistook them for part of the Deputy President's entourage.
Nyoro and the other MPs announced their visit as an act of condolence and support for the victims. Nyoro, who is also the chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, was seen as a key figure in the region. He donated Sh1 million and another Sh1 million reportedly from President William Ruto. The other legislators contributed Sh200,000 each. They showered praises on Nyoro, portraying him as a crucial link to the President and urging locals to pray for his success against political adversaries.
Senator Nyutu emphasized Nyoro's role as a mediator between the local leaders and the President, suggesting that Nyoro's position in the political hierarchy was growing. He even hinted that Nyoro might have a significant role in future political developments, possibly as Ruto's running mate in the 2027 elections.
Deputy President Gachagua arrived at the scene later in the day. By the time he landed, only a few local leaders, including Governor Irungu Kang'ata and MCA Edwin Wairagu, were there to welcome him. Gachagua was accompanied by leaders from Nyeri, including MPs John Kaguchia, Njoroge Wainaina, and Rahab Mukami.
In his speech, Gachagua criticized the host MP Edwin Mugo for not staying long with the grieving families. He used a Kikuyu proverb to underline his point about the responsibilities of a leader, emphasizing that leaders should stay and support their people in times of need.
Gachagua made his own contributions, including a donation of Sh1 million and food supplies. He pledged continued support for the affected families, similar to what he had done in other areas.
The incident in Mathioya has intensified the existing political rivalry between Gachagua and Nyoro. The region has long been a hotspot for political maneuvering, with leaders jostling for influence and position. The donations and public praise during the tragedy appeared to be part of a broader strategy by Nyoro and his allies to bolster his standing in the region.
Nyoro’s actions, including his high-profile visit and generous donations, were seen as attempts to gain favor with the local populace and assert his influence. Meanwhile, Gachagua’s criticism of Mugo and his own contributions were viewed as a way to reinforce his role and leadership in the region.
Political analysts have pointed out that using a tragedy for political gain can be detrimental. Charles Njoroge, a political analyst, criticized the local leaders for trying to leverage the disaster for political mileage. He argued that during such times, leaders should put aside their differences and focus on helping those affected rather than engaging in political maneuvers.
The rivalry between Gachagua and Nyoro reflects broader issues within Kenyan politics, where personal ambitions and political strategies often overshadow immediate community needs. The incident in Mathioya has not only highlighted the ongoing tensions between these two leaders but also raised questions about the ethical implications of their actions during a time of crisis.
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