Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ruled out the possibility of the government having talks with former Mungiki Leader Maina Njenga.
Njenga on Friday appealed to the government to have a sit down with him to iron out issues that have led to his perennial arrests to sort them once and for all. But in a rejoinder, the DP said they have no time for that saying the government will only engage those who denounce violence.
“We cannot negotiate with outlawed criminal gangs. They must denounce violence then we can have a discussion,” he said.
Gachagua spoke during the burial of Field Marshall Muthoni Kirima, a function attended by Njenga. At the same time, Gachagua dismissed claims of alleged infighting in the Kenya Kwanza Administration, saying the Government is united in delivering on its promise to the people. Gachagua said as the Principal Assistant of the President, he has a responsibility of calling to order, any Government official, if they go wrong.
Last week, the Deputy President asked public servants to communicate with Kenyans with respect, empathy and humility. This was after Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria responded to Kenyans in a way that many considered unfriendly. The Kenyans were concerned with the high cost of fuel. Based on the guidance of the Deputy President, it was claimed that there were misunderstandings between him and Kuria.
“I made the statement as the Deputy President of Kenya. I was guiding Moses Kuria and other leaders on how to communicate with the people. He had veered off. As a leader, I told him to come back on track. There is no way a Deputy President can be at war with the people working under him. It is my responsibility to guide and give directions to all leaders in the government who in one way or another may get out of track. Please understand that we are working as one unit led by our president William Ruto. We are together and united; there is no crack in our Government,” he said.
