Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to Kenyans to plant more trees toward President William Ruto's goal of 15 billion by the year 2032.

Gachagua said planting trees, especially now that the long rains are pounding most parts of the country after five failed seasons, is one of the ways of mitigating the effects of climate change.

He was speaking when he and pastor Dorcas Rigathi, took an early morning 18km walk through Hombe and Kabaru forests, which are part of the larger Mt. Kenya Forest on Saturday.

Gachagua appreciated the locals for their conservation efforts, which have kept the Mt Kenya Forest water tower intact.

Hombe Forest is in Mathira while Kabaru is in Kieni.

The Deputy President said his walk was not only a reconnection with the forest but also a significant reminder of Kenya's pursuit of freedom.

“This is a good reconnection for me given that my late parents spent years in this forest fighting for the liberation of this country,” he said.

With the shrinking of forests across the country in the face of prolonged erratic weather, he urged Kenyans to be part of the conservation of the environmental efforts by the government as a way of also ensuring food security.

“This forest is a reminder that with relentless, commitment and resolve, human beings can achieve their freedom," he said.

Gachagua reiterated his commitment in assisting President Ruto in achieving full economic liberation of the country.

Pastor Dorcas described the sounds of the waters in the forest and the greenery as a testimony that God answers prayers.

The DP and his Spouse spent time interacting freely with locals during the walk as they spent the Easter Holiday in their rural home at Iruri Village in Mathira Constituency, Nyeri.

During the engagements, the locals in Kieni and Iruri told Gachagua that they were opposed to a political handshake with the Opposition; their wish was for the leadership to focus and deliver on the Kenya Kwanza Administration's election promises.

They were unanimous that their choice of government in the last election should be allowed to focus on delivery.

The residents also appreciated the government's provision of subsidized fertilizer.