Publication date: May 21, 2024 05:34 (EAT)
Vice President Ligaty Gachagua prays in the forests of Mount Kenya (file image).
Vice President Ligaty Gachagua has shed more light on his seven-day absence, dismissing claims of tension within the ruling Kenya Kwanza Party.
Gachaugua told mourners that he was taking leave to meditate, pray and fast for his country in the vast forests of Mount Kenya. This is known as his pilgrimage.
“I took seven days off to pray, fast, reflect and meditate in the heart of the forests of Mount Kenya,” Gachagua told mourners at the funeral of his mentor Kano Ndumbi.
The deputy commander recounted how he had entered the forest with specific instructions not to be disturbed during prayer times.
“I had given clear instructions that I wanted to meditate and pray for the nation,” Gachagua added.
He said it was only interrupted when he received the news that his close friend and former teacher, Kano Ndumbi, had passed away.
He told mourners that his wife, the Reverend Dorcas, had only interfered after learning of the death of their late mentor, with whom he had been close.
Gachagua, a Democrat, spoke just days after returning from a week-long hiatus amid allegations that all is not well within the ruling Kenya Kwanzaa Party.
On Sunday, Mr Gachagua put an end to speculation after attending a service at Ndarasha Catholic Church in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri District.
His appearance followed days of speculation over his conspicuous absence from important national events, leading to speculation that he had fallen out with President William Ruto.
Speculation intensified when Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen and opposition leader Raila Odinga saw off Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during a three-day state visit to Kenya.
President Ruto was in Rwanda when Museveni left. It was expected that at least DP Gachagua would see off Museveni.
The DPP was also missing during Arbor Day as Ruto and other government officials spearheaded campaigns across the country.
Gachagua, who is known to be an active participant in national events and especially close to Ruto, has remained silent and inactive, even on his social media accounts.
Events surrounding the Limuru III meeting also fueled further speculation about suspicions within Kwanzaa, Kenya.
Recently, Mr Gachagua has been an advocate of the “One Person, One Vote, One Shilling” campaign by some of Mt Kenya’s leaders. Those who took part in Limuru III claimed this, accusing them of ignoring the Mt Kenya region, which overwhelmingly supported Mr Ruto in the 2022 elections.
Rimuru III’s meeting saw the formation of the Haki Coalition, whose leaders say it will help the mountain people discuss the path forward.
