A faction of leaders allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly criticized President William Ruto for his repeated calls to halt discussions surrounding the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to traders at Marikiti Market in Nairobi on Friday, September 20, 2024, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya led the group, accusing the president of hypocrisy.
Gakuya called on President Ruto to set the example by refraining from political talk if he expects other leaders to do the same.
He expressed frustration with the president’s administration, particularly its approach to Mount Kenya politics.
“If you’re tired of Mount Kenya’s votes because you’ve found a new partner, go with her, leave us alone. We know where we are headed.
Don’t ask us to stop talking about 2027 politics while you are still engaged in it,” Gakuya said.
“We want to tell the president that we are disappointed.
You are leading us down the wrong path, and as the people of Mount Kenya, we won’t follow you there.
You may be cozy with MPs, filling State House with them and handing out dollars, but remember, votes are on the ground.”
The MP also expressed dissatisfaction with the way Deputy President Gachagua is being treated by some of the president’s allies, particularly pointing out Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah.
Gakuya accused the president of failing to address instances where Ichung’wah publicly disrespects Gachagua.
“Kimani Ichung’wah insults the deputy president in public while standing with the president, and the president says nothing about this bad behavior,” Gakuya remarked.
This criticism comes just days after over 2,000 Njuri Ncheke elders publicly endorsed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, challenging DP Gachagua’s efforts to rally support in the region.
Njuri Ncheke chairman Adriano Aruyaru announced that the elders had declared Kindiki their preferred leader.
“The Njuri Ncheke elders from Meru and Tharaka Nithi have endorsed Kithure Kindiki as our kingpin and spokesman. He will serve as our link to President William Ruto,” Aruyaru said.
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