CS Kagwe Schools Gachagua on Effective Opposition Leadership

Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe, on January 11th, joined President William Ruto at ACK St Paul’s Church, Kariki in Othaya, Nyeri County, where he urged voters to abandon politics driven by anger and short-term interests in favour of stable, long-term leadership.

The service was attended by Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, and MPs from Othaya, Mathira and Nyeri Town, among other leaders.

Kagwe cautioned that Mt Kenya risks weakening its political influence by repeatedly tearing down its own leaders instead of nurturing and sustaining them.

“We are not a people who jump with emotions every time and spend all our energy criticising, criticising, criticising. That is not leadership,” Kagwe said.

“Development comes when you allow good leaders to serve, to grow, and to complete what they started.”

Lessons From Other Regions

He told the congregation that regions which have attained political and economic strength have done so by investing in leaders over time, allowing them to gain experience, influence and networks that ultimately benefit their communities.

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“Leadership is grown, not rented for one term,” Kagwe said.

“You cannot uproot your crops every five years and expect a harvest.”

Veiled Swipe at Gachagua

The remarks were widely interpreted as an indirect criticism of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a Nyeri native who has remained openly hostile to President Ruto since his removal from office.

Gachagua has accused the government of sidelining Mt Kenya, though critics argue he has not articulated a clear alternative agenda beyond opposing the President.

Kagwe, the only Cabinet Secretary from Nyeri, urged the region to think strategically about its place in national power and to avoid emotional politics that risk isolating it from the government.

Praising Ruto’s Political Maturity

He also lauded President Ruto for what he termed political maturity, citing his appointment to the Agriculture and Livestock Development docket despite not having supported Ruto during the election.

Also Read: Gachagua Says He is Ready to Support Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna in 2027

“That is leadership with wisdom,” Kagwe said.

“It shows this government is about building a nation, not settling political scores.”

Call for Wisdom and Continuity

Calling on church leaders to pray for wisdom among Kenyans, Kagwe said the country needs leaders and voters who make decisions based on the future rather than anger or revenge.

He affirmed his loyalty to the government and alignment with President Ruto’s agenda, pledging support beyond the next general election.

“This is about continuity, stability and building systems that last,” Kagwe said.

“That is how Mt Kenya and Kenya as a whole will prosper.”

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The image shows President William Ruto and other leaders in Othaya Nyeri County for a church service and official opening and dedication of ACK St Paul’s Kariki Plaza,a project that began in September 2019
PHOTO/William Ruto/X