Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has thrown some serious shade at Rift Valley politicians close to President William Ruto.
DP Gachagua appears convinced that there is a sneaky scheme brewing to split the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region with an eye on the 2032 succession.
Speaking during a fund drive in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County, Ruto’s home turf, Gachagua didn’t mince his words. He accused these Rift Valley politicians of using Mt. Kenya MPs to undermine him, calling it an act of betrayal.
“Some politicians close to the President are attempting to influence Mt. Kenya politics in order to oppose me.”
“Kenyan politics are complex, and what we hate is betrayal. We, as Mt. Kenya, have never interfered with Rift Valley politics, and we deserve respect,” he stated.
Gachagua also took a jab at the mysterious source of funds for some Rift Valley politicians, who he said are living large and flying all over the country in choppers while the common Mwananchi is suffering.
DP Gachagua’s political career stands at a critical juncture. Some analysts suggest that DP Gachagua could choose to remain in his current position and fight until the 2027 or 2032 general election, or he could take a firm stance and demand the removal of his opponents from government, or he could decide to leave and start an opposition movement.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta could potentially guide the unification of Mt. Kenya. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has attempted to ease tensions, affirming that President Ruto and the Rift Valley have no issues with Gachagua.
However, some politicians, such as Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and others, are pushing for Gachagua to declare his interest in the presidency in 2027.
DP Gachagua’s allies, such as Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba and former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu, are also vocal about the need for Mt. Kenya to field a presidential candidate in 2027.
“Some few politicians around the President want to meddle with Mt Kenya politics to fight me. Mt Kenya politics are so complicated. As Mt Kenya, we have never interfered with Rift Valley politics and we deserve respect.” – Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warns Rift Valley… https://t.co/NsEUVzTab8 pic.twitter.com/4b8nEkRqal
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) May 26, 2024