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Defiance: Tunes Of Bravado Lease The Air Amid Political Ping-Pong In The Mountain Region

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Even though President William Ruto tried to appease the region by keeping one of their own in the second in-command seat, the residents seem dissatisfied with the new arrangement and feel betrayed.

Following Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s swearing-in on Friday, there was a quiet sense of resistance in the Mt Kenya region, reflecting their unhappiness with the removal of former officeholder Rigathi Gachagua.

Despite being lauded for showing political maturity by staying peaceful during their leader’s trial, these songs filled with proverbs and figurative speech could be seen as a type of opposition.

In the past, different governments have outlawed these songs and imprisoned their creators under the belief that they were encouraging rebellion against the ruling powers. Recently, certain songs have become closely linked with followers of the banned Mungiki group.

During events in public places, particularly in venues with live bands, the enthusiastic audience can be observed singing along to classic music from the 60s and 70s, with footage of people enjoying the songs later being posted on the internet.

The major (un)certain question is what comes next for Mt. Kenya Region?

They blame the administration, which they voted for overwhelmingly, for being neglectful about their agriculture and businesses mainly through the introduction of taxes that have led to dwindling economic fortunes.

The region, which first showed open defiance against Ruto five months ago during the Limuru III meeting in May, appears to be breaking away from the UDA with the firing of Gachagua just fuelling a deep-rooted hatred.

The majority of the residents wonder why the government would, in a record of less than two months’, purge Gachagua out of the office while the tea, coffee and milk sectors remain unattended two years down the line.

The attendees of the Limuru meeting formed Haki Coalition, which political observers say could be fashioned into an opposition outfit to advance the interests of the mountain region.

With Gachagua being out of government, he is likely to revive his call for ‘One Man One Vote One Shilling’ formula for sharing revenue.

Gachagua is most likely going to join forces with other anti-Ruto politicians including Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Jubilee party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni to establish a political alliance to compete against the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

 

By Hussein Waiyaki

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