Why Gachagua Apologised to Martha Karua With Sheep

In an unexpected turn of events, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has apologised to the Nark-Kenya Party leader Martha Karua as he seeks to cement his position as the king of the mountain.

The two leaders, who were once foes and criticised each other regularly due to their different political ideologies brought about by their disparate political affiliations, met at Karua’s home in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County for what seems like reconciliation.

Gachagua, who was in the company of his wife Dorcus Rigathi, and his allies were warmly welcomed at Karua’s abode, a meeting that showcased profound unity and alliance.

The Gachagua delegation to Gichugu carried goodies to Karua’s home, including goats, sheep, and farm produce that carried different meaning.

Gachagua gifted Karua with a mwatî, which is a young female sheep that has never given birth, in order to bring a blessing to the home.

“In the Kikuyu culture, when a man visits a female leader of any kind, he brings mwatî to the home to bring a blessing,” the master of ceremony asserted.

Gachagua, while gifting the former Azimio principal, said, “I have brought this sheep (mwatî) to the home of the strong leader of the community (ngatha ya ruriri), for all the animals in this household to thrive.”

Karua responded by saying, “I receive it with one heart, and I pray the same blessing and union.”

To accompany the female sheep is the male one, which is locally referred to as ndurume. This was gifted to Karua as well, to enable procreation in the household.

The other sheep that was given to Karua was a fattened ram called ngoima. This was gifted to Karua’s household and received by a men’s elder. 
It was given to the home for the family to share with the visitors and is often eaten that very day between the two sides.

The last group of sheep handed to Karua was to symbolise Gachagua’s generosity to the home and for the house to never lack anything when a community visits.

“I brought this ngoimas to you so that when people visit the home, don’t lack,” Gachagu asserted while smiling. He refers to the youth, who have gained prominence since the split between Gachagua and Ruto, saying, “When itungati’s visit, they won’t lack.’