Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Sunday January 21 addressed the ongoing political debate in the Mount Kenya region.
In what seemed like a metaphoric statement, Kuria noted that those claiming to be kingpins do not enjoy support from the other parts of the country.
“You cannot be declared an Olympic Swimming Champion for swimming in a bathtub,” he said.
CS Kuria’s remarks can be translated to mean that he was best suited to lead the region since he is a national political figure.
“Oh ye angling for regional supremacy, come and face me in the open Indian Ocean that is the great Republic of Kenya,” said Kuria.
These sentiments come at the backdrop of recent divisions and woes in Mt Kenya region with a section of leaders aligning behind Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua and others behind Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
The main issue involves succession politics as some of the leaders have aired their remarks in public noting that Ndindi Nyoro should deputize President William Ruto in 2027.
Gachagua’s Appeal
However, while speaking on January 20, Gachagua urged Mt Kenya leaders to unite and shun divisive politics.
The DP said there was a political scheme to divide the Mt Kenya region voting bloc.
He also noted that the schemers will not succeed in their mission as he asked the leaders to focus on development and socio-economic growth of the people.
Also Read: Gachagua Changes Tune On Petition Against Judge Esther Maina
“I urge the leaders to be united and focused. Those scheming to divide the region should know that the people of Mt Kenya are intelligent and are aware of what is happening.
“Those seeking to divide us are enemies of the region. Our relevance in national leadership lies on our unity. We know what disunity and divisive politics us in 1992 and 1997 elections did,” he added.
Gachagua further asked the leaders to be united by the vision of a strong and prosperous community.
He said he had embraced all leaders across the political divide irrespective of how they campaigned or voted in the 2022 General Election.
Ndindi Nyoro Effect
On the other hand, a section of leaders from Murang’a County endorsed Nyoro to be President William Ruto’s running mate in 2027 and succeed him in 2032.
Led by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, the leaders gave several reasons why Ruto should pick Nyoro to replace Gachagua.
Also Read: Jimi Wanjigi Explains Why Raila Was Above the Law
The leaders claimed that the DP is disrespectful and cannot form friends across the country.
“Ruto should drop Gachagua so that he can pick somebody who can be able to make friends across the body, somebody who respects people,” said Nyutu.
They advised Ruto that having Gachagua as his running mate could be a costly mistake for him adding that Nyoro is a better choice.
