Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has accused a section of Rift Valley leaders close to President William Ruto of meddling with Mt. Kenya politics and undermining him in his backyard.
Speaking in Eldoret on May 25, Gachagua said these leaders are taking advantage of their proximity to the president to begin early succession politics in the Mt. Kenya region.
“The problem is a few leaders from this region (Rift Valley) who have proximity to the president. These leaders are the ones disrupting politics in our region, misleading people to start planning for 2032 prematurely,” he said.
The DP said the president’s allies have joined forces with some politicians from Central Kenya to plan for Ruto’s succession and disrupt politics of the Mt Kenya region.
“There are some youths from Rift Valley and Mt. Kenya who have united and are planning for 2032. They aim to succeed President Ruto while he is still alive,” he said.
Gachagua Warns Rift Valley Politicians
However, Gachagua told the leaders to recall how the Mt Kenya supported Ruto’s presidential bid and cease from engaging in the region’s politics.
“I urge the politicians from Rift Valley to remember that we supported Ruto out of our own choice and love, and we will continue supporting him. All we ask for is respect—do not try to control Mt. Kenya politics and leadership,” the DP said.
The DP told politicians from Rift Valley to focus on their local politics adding that Mt Kenya leaders will not interfere in Ruto’s succession plans.
“Organize your own politics and leadership. When Ruto retires after 10 years, we will not interfere with your succession plans; you will handle it on your own. Mt. Kenya politics is very complicated and can only be understood by the people from the region,” he said.
He mentioned that some allies of President Ruto are holding meetings to craft a 2032 political plan to his disadvantage.
Also Read: Who is Fighting Gachagua & Why – Experts Explain
2032 Succession Meetings
Gachagua noted that the president’s allies are now full of pride, further warning them to respect the Mt Kenya leadership.
“There are a few people who have proximity to the president, and they are now full of pride. They think they can control Mt. Kenya politics. We don’t come here to control your leadership because we respect you,” he said.
“Let us be careful. We endured many problems and pain to get this government. If nothing else, for the support we have shown President Ruto, just respect us.”
Also Read: Limuru 3: Litmus Test for Gachagua as Mt Kenya Gets Uneasy
Murkomen’s Advise
However, leaders from the region led by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen pledged to support the DP regardless of criticism directed at him.
Murkomen advised Gachagua to ignore the early 2032 politics and focus on his job.
“Don’t fear being yelled at; if your position is useless, then you won’t hear the noise. But if your post is ‘sweet,’ then people will compete for it,” Murkomen said.
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