Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged Kenyans to plant more trees in order to meet President William Ruto’s aim of 15 billion by 2032.
Planting trees, according to DP Gachagua, is one method of reducing the effects of climate change, especially now that extended rains are battering most sections of the country after five failed seasons.
On Saturday, the DP and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, went on an 18-kilometer trek through the Hombe and Kabaru forests, which are part of the larger Mt. Kenya Forest.
Hombe Forest is located in Mathira Constituency, whilst Kabaru is located in Kieni Constituency.
Gachagua praised the community for their conservation efforts, which he claimed saved the Mt. Kenya Forest water tower.
His stroll, according to the Deputy President, was not just a reunion with the forest, but also a crucial reminder of Kenya’s pursuit of freedom.
“This is a good reconnection for me because my late parents spent years in this forest fighting for this country’s liberation,” he remarked.
With forests decreasing across the country due to extended irregular weather, he asked Kenyans to join the government’s environmental conservation efforts as a way of assuring food security.
“This forest serves as a reminder that with unwavering commitment and determination, human beings can achieve their freedom,” he remarked.
DP Gachagua emphasised his commitment to assisting President Ruto in achieving the country’s full economic emancipation.
Pastor Dorcas cited the sounds of the forest’s rivers and vegetation as proof that God answers prayers.
During the tour, the Deputy President and his wife freely interacted with villagers as they spent the Easter Holiday in their rural home at Iruri Village in Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County.
During the interactions, residents of Kieni and Iruri told the DP that they were opposed to a political handshake with the opposition, instead preferring the leadership to focus on and deliver on the Kenya Kwanza administration’s election promises.
They were unified in their belief that the government they elected should be allowed to focus on delivery.
Residents also praised the government’s offer of discounted fertiliser and requested more.
