Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged political leaders from the central region to desist from succession politics and instead focus on delivering services to Kenyans.
Speaking during a meeting with MCAs from Nyandarua at his official residence in Karen, Gachagua stated,
“Let us not be transfixed with childish politics of succession, of elections. We have barely come from elections one and a half years.”
He urged the leaders to instead focus on development.
“People want service. People want to be served, they want to know about road construction, agriculture, power supply, and milk production.”
Politicians from the mountain have recently engaged in succession politics with some supporting Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro while others expressing their allegiance to the deputy president.
Those on Nyoro’s side led by Muranga Senator Joe Nyutu argue that Ruto’s prospects for reelection in 2027 could face challenges if Gachagua was maintained as his running mate.
Their sentiments have exposed division in the vote-rich Mount Kenya region, with each faction pushing its stand.
Succession politics in the Mt. Kenya region
Kenya held much-contested elections in August 2022 that saw William Ruto of the Kenya Kwanza movement win.
Since his inauguration into office, Ruto has faced resistance from the opposition with the Azimio la Umoja holding demonstrations across the country against his government following the high cost of living.
Later the National Dialogue Committee (NADC) was formed with members from both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio which saw a report presented to President Ruto with recommendations on the way forward for the country. The report included steps to be taken to straighten out issues in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Deputy President Gachagua has been in the limelight expressing controversial comments that have exposed the government in bad light. During the El Nino rains in 2023 that displaced thousands in various parts of the country, there was a dispute between the government and governors.
Gachagua told the county heads that the national government would not disburse money to manage El Nino havoc and that counties would have to figure it out on their own, causing confusion.
President Ruto later intervened with a meeting with various stakeholders in the government to mitigate the effects of the heavy rains in the country.
Ruto’s administration has also faced setbacks in courts with judges putting a halt to various proposed legislation proposed by his government such as the social health insurance fund and housing levy.
Kenyans have also come out to express their displeasure with the government’s plans that have seen increased taxation on an economy that is already straining.
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