“We cannot chase darkness with darkness. Darkness is chased by light,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has launched a sharp political attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of lacking a development agenda and engaging in ‘politics of revenge’ against the Kenya Kwanza government.
Speaking during a public engagement forum at Kianwe Primary School in Ndia, Kirinyaga West, Kabogo said the Mt. Kenya region was already reaping tangible benefits under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He warned that these gains could be jeopardized by divisive politics.
Kabogo dismissed Gachagua’s “one-term” narrative as reckless and dangerous, insisting that President Ruto had demonstrated a clear vision and commitment to uplifting both Mt Kenya and the country.
“Mt. Kenya is safer and better in the hands of President Ruto. Gachagua has no plan for this country. What he is pushing is not leadership; it is revenge politics,” Kabogo said.
The CS highlighted key infrastructure and social projects initiated by the government, including the ongoing expansion of the Nairobi-Thika Expressway, which he said would ease traffic congestion and boost trade.
He also cited the affordable housing programme, noting that it had created thousands of jobs for young people while enabling ordinary Kenyans to access decent and affordable housing.
To underscore the impact of government policies, Kabogo recounted a personal experience involving a woman who had sought his help after being locked out of her house due to rent arrears.
“I spoke to PS Charles Hinga, and today that woman is living well in a decent house she can afford. That is the Kenya Kwanza difference,” he said.
Kabogo strongly rejected calls for a single presidential term, cautioning Mt Kenya residents against abandoning what he termed a working government due to political emotions.
“We cannot chase darkness with darkness. Darkness is chased by light,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
He also praised the government’s Nyota Programme, describing it as a transformative initiative aimed at empowering youths through business financing, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable jobs.
Calling for unity, Kabogo urged Mt Kenya residents to close ranks and speak with one voice to maximize development under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Unity is how we benefit. Division will only take us backwards,” he said.
His remarks were echoed by Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, who emphasized that Mt Kenya’s strength lay in unity and collective bargaining at the national level.
“When the mountain is united, it has power and influence. When it is divided, it becomes weak and irrelevant,” Mugaa said.
Mugaa warned against regional, linguistic, and boundary-based divisions, arguing that such politics only served individual interests at the expense of the region’s future.
His comments came amid debate sparked by remarks from another Cabinet Secretary from Mt Kenya East, CS Geoffrey Ruku, who had proposed splitting the region into Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West.
Addressing residents in the Meru language, Mugaa called on leaders to abandon divisive rhetoric and instead focus on collective development priorities.
“Our unity should be our measuring stick. Let us unite and speak with one voice as we demand development and fair treatment from the government,” he said.
