Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made a bold statement on Friday as he shared a podium with opposers of the ‘one man, one vote, one shilling’ revenue-sharing formula.
Speaking during a women’s economic empowerment fundraiser in Samburu County, DP Gachagua emphasized that the discussion surrounding the ‘one man, one vote, one shilling’ revenue sharing formula, which has sparked concerns, aims not to suppress or hinder development in sparsely populated regions of the nation.
“While I am the deputy president, I also have opinions, the president has opinions, the governor has opinions, and there is no conflict. All opinions are valid, and we should all sit down together and understand each other. We are talking about equity,” he said.
Gachagua added that it doesn’t imply being the deputy president limited him in making an opinion. He mentioned observing the former Prime Minister and Eugene Wamalwa saying what he said without being labeled as tribalists.
Gachagua emphasized that everyone should voice their opinions, asserting that ultimately, consensus will be reached.
Since the revenue-sharing debate, Deputy President Gachagua has faced criticism for allegedly directing a disproportionate amount of resources to the Mt. Kenya region. However, on Thursday, opposition leader Raila Odinga publicly sided with the call, potentially altering the political landscape.
Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda urged for collaborative dialogue, emphasizing the need to move away from talking past each other and instead engage in constructive conversations as a unified nation, whether the topic is ‘one man, one vote’ or ‘one man, one kilometer.’
Samburu Senator Steve Lelegwe expressed concerns about how the formula would negatively impact pastoralists. He highlighted that Northern Kenya, including Samburu, faces significant underdevelopment, and he pledged to support measures that benefit his constituents, advocating for a fair allocation based on ‘one man, one shilling, one kilometer.’
The Deputy President emphasized the need for a wider discussion and dialogue regarding the issue to guarantee every county receives its rightful allocation.
Gachagua stressed the importance of open dialogue, stating, “I agree when we say let us have a conversation, kila mtu aseme opinion yake, mwishowe kila mtu anufaike.“
Gachagua underscored the necessity for inclusive discussions, advocating for everyone to express their opinions, with the ultimate goal of benefiting everyone.
