Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has praised PSC Commissioner and former Senator Johnson Muthama, saying he is more committed to the development of Ukambani than Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua.
Speaking during a morning interview on Ukambani local radio stations, Gachagua claimed that his interactions with both leaders had shown him that Mutua does not prioritize the region’s interests.
“Muthama has consistently championed development in Ukambani and was better suited for a Cabinet Secretary position than Mutua,” Gachagua stated.
He further expressed his dissatisfaction with Muthama’s appointment to the Parliamentary Service Commission after being stripped of his role as UDA chairman, arguing that he deserved a more influential role in government.
“Muthama had the credentials for a CS position, and if given the opportunity, the Kamba community would have benefited greatly,” he added.
Gachagua further alleged that leaders from Ukambani who once held key government positions had been sidelined, signaling a lack of commitment to the region’s welfare.
“All Kamba leaders have been pushed out, except for Mutua who, we all know, is more about fun and drama than serious leadership. I remember when he was Foreign Affairs CS, I warned the President that Mutua was embarrassing Kenya and Ukambani,” Gachagua remarked.
He also defended his record in Ukambani highlighting former Tourism CS Penina Malonza as one of the few leaders who genuinely advocated for the region.
“Penina Malonza, who was fired, was among the leaders who had Ukambani’s interests at heart. I recall during the El Niño floods, she made sure the region received food aid,” he noted.
Dismissing claims that he does not value the Kamba community, Gachagua revealed that he had planned a meeting between professionals from the region and government ministers, only for it to be canceled by the President.
