A host of governors and political leaders have rallied behind President William Ruto, calling for respect for the presidency and restraint in political conduct during mourning ceremonies.
Their rebuke was directed at former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua and Kirinyaga Senator John Methu, over remarks made during the requiem mass of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho that were seen as demeaning to the Head of State.
The leaders spoke at Kiborione in Buuri, Meru County, during the burial of Josephine Kagwiria Guantai, mother of Council of Governors CEO Mary Mwiti.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki cautioned leaders against confronting the President publicly, stressing the need to uphold respect for the office.
“As a Meru adult, you must go through rites of passage and get renamed but there are foolish boys… You cannot lecture the sitting President when he is facing you. Whether a former leader or not, the President remains the Head of State and must be respected,” Njuki said.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru declared unwavering support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, warning against political directions she said could undermine the Mt Kenya region.
“We are in government to stay. We will not follow opposition politics that derail development. We are standing with the government of President Ruto and we won’t go astray by following the opposition. Kibaki ruled for ten years, he had a hard time being re-elected in 2007, Uhuru had hard time too being re-elected in 2017 to a point of having his election nullified but they never made it to win, do you think the opposition will defeat President Ruto,” she claimed.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan Guyo urged leaders to separate politics from mourning, condemning what he termed as “rhetorical and unnecessary politics” during funerals.
“Politics has its own time. Let us not burden grieving families with political tensions,” he said.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata warned against divisions within the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 polls, while Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali called for national unity and peaceful coexistence.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga described Mary Mwiti as a close friend, noting that her leadership reflects her mother’s legacy.
“Leadership is the legacy you leave behind,” she said.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Mohamed emphasized the constitutional significance of the presidency.
“There is only one President at a time. When you disrespect that office, you disrespect the country,” he said.
Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome urged residents to support President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, citing ongoing development projects in the region.
Leaders across the divide eulogised Josephine Kagwiria as a warm, resilient and compassionate woman, even as they called for unity, respect and decorum in public discourse.
