Nairobi — United Opposition Alliance co-principals Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka and Justin Muturi have urged professionals and lawyers to actively engage in politics and leadership, emphasizing that they are the only group capable of defending the country with understanding and professionalism.
Speaking during the Ngemi Cia Watho Festival --a cultural event that brings together lawyers from Central Kenya to celebrate and connect with their heritage-- former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua highlighted what he described as the region's historical leadership vacuum.
He noted that this gap has emerged because professionals have not been sufficiently involved in political leadership, allowing inexperienced politicians to take charge.
The Democracy for Citizens Party Leader cited the late Raila Odinga as an example, commending him for his exemplary leadership in the Nyanza region.
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Despite never winning the presidency, Gachagua said, the former Prime Minister has remained influential in every government--something he attributed to the presence of intelligent and strategic legislators from his region in Parliament.
He said this demonstrates the importance of having knowledgeable and committed professionals in leadership roles.
Gachagua emphasized that lawyers, in particular, are less likely to be compromised, and he urged them to step forward and assume leadership positions.
He lamented that he currently finds it difficult to effectively protect and oversee the government because many elected leaders from Central Kenya lack the capacity to adequately defend and represent their communities.
Addressing the issue of tribalism, which he alleged is being propagated by President William Ruto, Gachagua claimed that the President's portrayal of the region as tribal is disingenuous.
Instead, he said, it is a political tactic to divide the community following the fallout between him and the President.
He urged the community not to be swayed by such sentiments or cultural stereotypes but to embrace their traditions and heritage wholeheartedly.
Furthermore, Gachagua reaffirmed his commitment to unite the community and lead them back to significant representation in government, stressing that regional unity will be key to achieving this goal.
On the political front, he underscored the importance of cooperation among leaders.
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Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka called for collaboration aimed at restoring stability and sanity in government.
DP Leader Justin Muturi further noted that those who have defied the Constitution and its principles are not true patriots, adding that recognition should go to those who have worked within the legal framework.
