Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has met with a group of Somali elders from Isiolo County. IMAGE/USER-GENERATED CONTENT.. By ISSA MOHAMED. [email protected]. The recently established Peoples Loyal Coalition (PLC) aims to bring together Kenyans from various political and ethnic backgrounds, according to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. While hosting Somali elders from Isiolo County, including businessman Hussein Mohamed Jama and Ibrahim Mahamud Hajji, in his Nairobi office, Gachagua mentioned that coalition leaders plan to visit Isiolo County soon to hear the concerns of its residents. The elders addressed several development issues in Isiolo, such as poor road conditions, water shortages, insecurity, historical injustices, and the preparations for the PLC’s presence in the region. This outreach occurs at a crucial time as the PLC is attempting to create a significant impact on the county’s enduring socio-economic issues. The coalition, which features well-known politicians like Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Governor George Natembeya of the Tawe Movement, and Dr. Fred Matiang’i from the United Progressive Alliance, is positioned as a wide-ranging political alliance. Gachagua emphasized that the coalition is dedicated to a thorough and inclusive approach to governance. The former Deputy President stated that the PLC aims to create a platform that unites Kenyans from different political and ethnic groups. Gachagua pointed out that critical challenges like poor infrastructure, water shortages, insecurity, and the long-lasting impacts of historical injustices have obstructed development in Isiolo for many years, positioning the PLC as a proactive entity intended to tackle these issues. His focus on inclusivity and fair distribution of resources highlights a key principle of the PLC’s political ideology. He proposed that the coalition’s united leadership could lead to a more equitable approach to development in Isiolo. This involves focusing on enhancing essential infrastructure, especially the road system, as well as tackling the area’s severe water scarcity issues. These initiatives are crucial for the development of Isiolo, particularly given the county’s strategic position and its significant contribution to regional trade and security. The proposed governance model of the yet-to-be-registered coalition aims for collaboration beyond political divides, which could improve cooperation between national and county authorities, facilitating better resource allocation and funding for infrastructure projects. The PLC intends to establish a platform that resonates with a diverse audience, integrating both regional and national issues to promote unity and drive meaningful political change. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently met with a group of Somali elders from Isiolo, led by businessman Hussein Mohamed Jama and Ibrahim Mahamud Hajji. Gachagua is intentionally portraying the coalition as a movement that goes beyond ethnic and political divisions, aiming to reshape Kenya’s political discourse that has historically been marked by competition and division. Another key element of the PLC’s policy focus is its dedication to Isiolo’s County Integrated Development Plan (2023-2027), which addresses local priorities with strategic initiatives. By merging national political dynamics with localized development strategies, there is a chance for a more cohesive response to regional issues. The PLC’s commitment to visiting Isiolo County and engaging with local communities emphasizes its dedication to the development agenda. Grassroots political involvement is essential in a nation where top-down governance often neglects local perspectives. Recent initiatives, such as those by Kikuyu and Somali chiefs aimed at alleviating ethnic tensions, demonstrate a move towards encouraging dialogue and collaboration between communities. Gachagua’s endeavors to connect with Somali elders in Isiolo can be viewed as part of a larger strategy aimed at closing the divide among Kenya’s varied communities. Through the PLC, Gachagua aims to tackle significant developmental issues in Isiolo and beyond while fostering political unity throughout the country. If the coalition’s emphasis on inclusive strategies is effectively put into practice, it could serve as a model for achieving fairer development in Kenya. This initiative to bring together different political and ethnic factions signifies a growing political sophistication, recognizing that partnership is crucial for addressing the socio-economic challenges hindering the nation’s advancement.
