Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni now asserts that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other UDA leaders expressed a desire to attend the Limuru III meeting.
On May 17, Kioni, alongside Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua, orchestrated the Limuru III gathering, bringing together political parties from the central region of Mt Kenya.
Deputy President Hon. Rigathi Gachagua gestures as he explains a point to CS. Moses Kuria after Karen meeting
Speaking on Sunday, as reported by various media outlets including Mambo Mseto, Kioni emphasized that the conference served as a grassroots movement aimed at addressing the issues pertinent to the Mt Kenya region.
“Gachagua was keen to participate in Limuru III, as were Moses Kuria and other UDA members. They all sought the opportunity to voice the concerns of the mountain people. It was a rare platform we provided for them to speak out, one that had not been made available since the elections,” Kioni remarked.
DP. Gachagua gestures during a past media presser
Nevertheless, organizers of the Limuru III meeting extended a warm invitation to Gachagua and former President Uhuru Kenyatta to partake in the conference.
Prior to the gathering, Gachagua urged Kioni and Karua to engage him in discussions concerning Mount Kenya issues, underscoring his readiness to engage with leaders irrespective of their political allegiances.
“I am aware of the Limuru 3 meeting. However, neither Kioni nor Karua have reached out to me, despite my status as the most senior politician in the Mount Kenya region,” Gachagua stated. “As the regional leader, it is incumbent upon me to convene such meetings. Should they have an agenda, my office doors are open, and they are welcome to reach out.”
DP Rigathi Gachagua addressing attendees of Mukami Kimathi Burial
Subsequently, Gachagua refrained from commenting on the conference, asserting his preference for brevity in expression.
Meanwhile, Kuria, who had initially confirmed his attendance, withdrew from the event a day prior.
Reflecting on the conference, the Jubilee SG expressed confidence in its outcomes, emphasizing unity among the participants.
“After the meeting, we are all aligned. It was a grassroots initiative; Martha Karua and I, alongside others, provided guidance. The people spoke for themselves,” Kioni affirmed.
DP. Gachagua during a past media presser
Limuru III heralded the establishment of a new Mt Kenya coalition known as the Haki Coalition, comprising over 26 political parties from the region.
Kioni asserted that former President Uhuru Kenyatta would lead the community, devoid of personal political aspirations, and affirmed that the Haki Coalition would foster unity among Mt Kenya leaders, transcending party lines.
