Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s words in Murang’a this week have raised concern. While speaking at a funeral and later at the Ngemi Cia Watho event organized by Mt. Kenya lawyers, he asked the people of Mt. Kenya to elect leaders who would “protect him.”
That is not how leadership works. Leaders are meant to protect the people, not the other way around. Mt. Kenya should not choose leaders to serve Gachagua — it should choose leaders who serve the people.
Gachagua’s message shows that his politics are now more about saving himself than helping the region. He talks as if Mt. Kenya owes him loyalty, but the truth is, no community owes any leader blind support. What people need are leaders who care about farmers, jobs, and opportunities, not those who want to be worshipped.
When a leader makes everything about himself, progress stops. Mt. Kenya has always been known for hard work and unity, not for following one person. It is time for the region to focus on real issues — not one man’s personal battles.
Gachagua’s call for protection is not a sign of humility. It shows fear and insecurity. Mt. Kenya deserves leaders who lead with ideas and courage, not those who ask to be defended. The people must now stand firm and reject politics of self-preservation.
