President William Ruto has asked all Kenya Kwanza leaders to shelve their political contests and instead focus on the delivery of government’s promises.
Speaking during the launch of the Gilgil Technical and Vocational College in Nakuru County, Ruto urged leaders in the Kenya Kwanza to unite and rally behind him and his Deputy in delivering his agenda.
He said it would be unfortunate for leaders in the coalition to lose focus from the delivery of its agenda and instead turn to internal contests few months into the coalition’s term in office.
“I want to ask all leaders to step down from all contests for whatever positions in the present or the future so that we can discharge our commitment,” he said.
While revisiting his past promise to help mentor young leaders in the coalition, Ruto said he would remain committed to mentoring them but asked them to be patient.
“We are going to mentor these young leaders but as we mentor you do not be in hurry,” he assured.
On his part, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned Mount Kenya people against falling for the trap of politicians seeking to divide the region.
He similarly downplayed the succession debate and reminded the region of its past voting patterns since the 1997 elections when Mount Kenya’s voters were divided.
“Let us not be transfixed with childish politics of succession. We have barely come from elections. People want services, people expect us to serve them,” Gachagua said.
“They are looking at us for good roads, improved agricultural earnings. We cannot afford to lose focus. I would like to urge the people, especially from our region, to focus and unite under President William Ruto and work for the people as we promised them.”
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has also distanced himself from the recent debate regarding Mount Kenya succession politics.
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In a statement, CS Kindiki said he was committed to his role of advancing the agenda of President Ruto’s administration and that he had no time for such a distraction.
According to him, the talks about 2027 elections one year after the polls is a sign of immaturity in Kenya’s democracy.
As such, he warned those advancing the discussion to leave his name out.
“Political talk about the 2027 or other future elections a year after a General Election is tactless, anti-people and primitive,” Kindiki said in a sattement.
“The ongoing debate ought to stop, but if it must proceed, I respectfully request that my name should not be dragged in it. May God bless Kenya.”
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Their statements came against the backdrop of recent discussion with some leaders vouching for their preferred politicians.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has been vouching for the consideration of Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, a move that has since sparked uproar from some leaders who accused him of disrespecting DP Gachagua.
Some leaders from Mount Kenya East also emerged to assert that Prof Kindiki was the ideal leader, painting a picture of infighting within the region that largely voted for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
