Divisions within the Kenya Kwanza leadership became evident yesterday as MPs aligned with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed there was a political plot against him. These MPs asserted they knew the individuals behind the scheme and vowed to resist it fiercely.
The lawmakers also criticized the controversial Finance Bill 2024, labeling it as anti-‘hustlers’ and promised to push for amendments to some of its proposals.
Speaking at a church service in Kieni, Gachagua cautioned against premature political campaigns and dismissed discussions about his political future. He urged Mount Kenya leaders to focus on unity and strengthening their solidarity.
“Elected leaders should be allowed to serve the public without interference from political aspirants,” Gachagua said. “People should concentrate on their work and allow those in office to fulfill their mandates without disruption.”
He called for an end to early campaigns, emphasizing that the public would eventually judge the leaders’ performance. “For now, let’s lower the political temperature and allow those in office to work,” he added.
Gachagua was accompanied by more than 20 MPs and other political leaders, who also criticized early divisive campaigns. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga emphasized the need for unity and support for President Ruto and his deputy, highlighting the community’s expectations for reforms in agriculture sectors like coffee, tea, and dairy farming.
The DP stressed the importance of unity among leaders and cautioned against internal divisions. “Avoid envy and support each other. I will continue to advocate for our community’s unity behind President William Ruto,” Gachagua said. “Do not undermine each other. We will support our President to lead us to prosperity.”
Gachagua warned that internal divisions would harm the region’s interests. “I am a man of few words, but my actions speak volumes,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to avoiding political distractions.
Despite rumors of strained relations between the DP and President Ruto, State House downplayed these claims. “To my knowledge, there is no issue between the deputy president and the president,” said State House Spokesman Hussein Mohammed.
Mount Kenya leaders, including Governor Kahiga, defended Gachagua, vowing not to allow him to be humiliated as Ruto was during his tenure as deputy president. “We will not allow this to happen under our watch,” Kahiga warned.
The MPs alleged that a faction of young leaders within Kenya Kwanza, including blogger Dennis Itumbi and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, were pushing for generational change and creating a rift between Ruto and Gachagua. Embakasi East MP James Gakinya claimed this anti-Gachagua scheme was already in motion and promised to expose those responsible.
Gachagua’s appearance at the Endarasha Catholic Church in Kieni constituency, Nyeri county, was his first public appearance amid rumors of a split within the ruling coalition. His absence from key state functions had fueled speculation of a fallout with President Ruto.
