Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday evening visited families affected by heavy rains and windstorms in Kinangop constituency in Nyandarua county, which caused massive destruction rendering them homeless.
Mr Gachagua delivered assorted items to the displaced families, including, foodstuff and mattresses, blankets and iron sheets to assist the affected families in reconstructing their houses and livelihoods.
The DP responded to the humanitarian crisis caused by the natural disaster that occurred on Monday night.
The families mainly at Bongo, Mukiri, Kagera-ini and Ndogonye villages were rendered homeless by the disaster, which also wreaked havoc on crops resulting from the heavy rains and strong winds.
“Although the damage is huge, I am happy that there were no casualties. No one died or was injured during the calamity. I have been sent by our President William Ruto to encourage the families and ensure that those affected reconstruct their lives,” he said.
During his visit to the villages, to inspect the extent of the damage, the DP promised more support from the Government.
Mr Gchagua visited the homestead of Mama Dorcas Wangui Kamaru, one of the most affected, whose house was destroyed by the wind, and left her family destitute. The DP comforted the distraught mother, who was part of those who received the Government’s support.
The Deputy President, whom local leaders joined, said that he would ensure that the destroyed houses would be reconstructed.
He later addressed hundreds of residents at Kwa Haraka township, where he updated them on the Government’s development projects in Nyandarua County. He said the projects were on course in a bid to boost the economy.
He said the Government had approved the construction of the Ihithe-Ndunyu Njeru Road that will connect Nyandarua and Nyeri Counties and also reduce travel time.
The Deputy President vowed to continue advocating for national unity and development as he advised youthful leaders in the Mt Kenya region to shun divisive politics. He asked leaders from the region to unite, rally behind President William Ruto and support him to deliver to Kenyans.
This comes even as MPs drawn from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Jubilee Party said they were behind him as he focused on Mt Kenya unity behind President Ruto.
He said President Ruto and he will continue mentoring youthful leaders.
“But they must be cautious and understand that our strength and relevance in national politics is based on our unity. We were divided in the past and we vowed never again shall we be so,” he stated.
“President Ruto and I will continue mentoring young leaders to take up political leadership in future.
Relating to the economy, the Deputy President said that though President Ruto inherited a debt burden the nation’s economy is on a stable and sustainable path.
He was accompanied by Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, Deputy Governor John Mathara, Senator John Methu and MPs Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop) and Zaheer Jhanda (Nyaribari Chache) and MCAs led by the host Ward Representative Zachary Njeru.
The leaders said the Mt Kenya voting bloc was solidly behind the President and the DP.
“Do not listen to the political noises involving succession. Do not be distracted by the politics. We are solidly behind you and the President,” said Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku.