Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday, December 27 opened the doors of his Mathira home in Nyeri County to local youth for Christmas festivities.

For the third consecutive day, Gachagua hosted at least 8,000 youths from the neighbourhood to spread Christmas joy among the residents.

During the event, Gachagua implored the young people to shun criminal groups such as the Mungiki sect which he said is being revived by some leaders from the Mt Kenya region.

“I want to urge you to shun this sect we have seen their leader being propped by some politicians and getting some airtime in some media houses, however, we will not allow our people to be taken back to old dark days of terror from this group,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua also lauded the youths for supporting the war against illicit brews in the region, saying the fight has begun to show desired results.

“I want to thank you for avoiding illicit brews we are seeing considerable increase in number of births in this region infact walking around this area one can spot young ones on the roads, before one could hardly spot a toddler since most of you spent their nights in trenches due to drunkenness,” said Gachagua.

The event comes a day after the deputy president hosted a Boxing Day party for the local children.

Gachagua and Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi treated the children to fun and games including bouncy castles, a tumble race, dodgeball, football and swings.

On Christmas Day, the country's second in command also hosted over a thousand neighbours at his rural home and showered them with Christmas gifts.

The residents included the elderly, vulnerable families and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). They were each gifted foodstuffs including maize and wheat flour, rice and cooking oil for the Christmas festivities.

The DP seized the moment to encourage Kenyans to share with the less fortunate during the festive season.

He, however, urged parents to spend their income wisely and prepare adequately for the reopening of schools in January.

“I urge Kenyans to enjoy Christmas as they prepare for the new year. I wish to remind parents not to spend all the money on festivities because January is a season of paying school fees for their school-going children,” the DP stated.