President William Ruto has weighed in on the ongoing succession politics in the Mt. Kenya region that have exposed divisive views among leaders in the area.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of Gilgil Technical and Vocational College in Nakuru County, Ruto urged upcoming politicians to hold their breaks.
“Riggy G and I have a plan. We are willing to mentor younger leaders but they should not be in a rush. Young leaders, we are ready to mentor you but please do not rush us,” he stated.
In recent days, succession politics in the Mt. Kenya region have hit headlines with some leaders supporting Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro to be Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 general elections.
However, another section of leaders in the area have rallied behind Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, terming him the leader of the mountain following his position in the current government.
Addressing MCAs from Nyandarua at his Karen residence early Tuesday, Rigathi urged politicians in Mt’ Kenya to focus on development instead of politicking on succession plans yet elections were recently held in August 2022.
“Let us not be transfixed with childish politics of succession, of elections. We have barely come from elections one and a half years. People want service. People want to be served, they want to know about road construction, agriculture, power supply, and milk production,” he said.
This happens as the government continues to face legal challenges in implementing some of its proposed legislations.
The void in Mt. Kenya’s national politics
The Mt. Kenya region has always had a succession plan in the country’s leadership. The Late President Mwai Kibaki took over from Daniel Moi and later the Former President Uhuru Kenyatta took over from Kibaki.
Up until then, Mt. Kenya has always had a strong political leader to stand in general elections. With Uhuru leaving office, the region is yet to present a serious personality to push its political agenda and influence in government.
Leaders from the area supporting Ndindi Nyoro have in the past expressed fears that President Ruto may have a challenge winning the 2027 elections with Gachagua as his running mate.
It remains to be seen whether the high political temperatures in the region will subside or remain heated as the government strives to push for development in the country.
Discussion about this post