Ruto speaks on ongoing succession politics by section of Mt Kenya leaders
By Mary Ouko, January 23, 2024
President William Ruto has broken silence about the ongoing politics of succeeding his deputy Rigathi Gachagua by a section of Mt Kenya leaders.
Addressing residents in Gilgil on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the president criticized the move saying it is an insult to Kenyans who elected them, he instead asked the leaders to focus on what Kenyans elected them to do.
The country’s first-in-command additionally stressed that leaders should put their focus on delivering on their assignments rather than take part in succession debates that add no value to the electorates.
He particularly pointed out that leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza regime should be at the forefront of discharging their mandated roles, adding that they should step down any contestations for whichever positions present or future so that they can work as a team.
“Badala ya kufanya kazi tumerudi kupanga mambo ya siasa ya huko mbele. Mimi nataka niwaulize jameni all leaders, I want to tell all leaders it will be an insult to the people of Kenya that instead of delivering on their assignments given to us by the people of Kenya, we have a very cut-out assignment on matters of transformation of Kenya, how to create jobs, how to expand our food production and ensure that every citizen has access to universal health.
“Let me ask all leaders that we focus our attention on the delivery of the assignment that was given to us by the people of Kenya, especially, leaders in Kenya Kwanza and UDA. I want to ask them to step down any contestations for whatever positions present or future so that we can work together, focus on delivering to the people of Kenya and ensure that we keep our promise to the people of Kenya so that we can discharge our commitment and the people of Kenya can see us for who we are, leaders who are looking into the future,’ Ruto said.
Further, the president urged young leaders to quit the rush for the top seat positions, and instead focus on the current roles Kenyans elected them to undertake. He, however, assured them that together with his deputy, he would mentor them to become great leaders who can take charge when the time is ripe.
“Mimi na Riggy G tuko na mpango tunaelewa, tulisema pia hawa vijana wengine wadogo wadogo tutawapatia mentorship, lakini tukiwapatia mentorship waende polepole wasituskume sana, wasituharakishe kwa sababu wakiharakisha wataharibu maneno,” Ruto said.
“I want to ask the younger leaders we are ready to mentor you, please do not be in a hurry, relax, we are different, sisi si wale wa kupiga wadogo. Tutawapanga polepole. Leaders let us work together so that we make sure we deliver to the people of Kenya,” he added.
Ruto’s remarks come amid political tension in Mt Kenya after a section of leaders from the region advocated for the replacement of Gachagua as DP in 2027.
Opinion was divided as a section of the group fronted Kiharu Member of Parliament (MP) Ndindi Nyoro while the other selected Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki.
But in a response today, CS Kindiki distanced himself from the political talk saying it is a blot on the maturity of the country’s democracy.
The CS further insisted that he wanted nothing to do with the debate, and should it continue his name should be kept out of it.
“Political talk about the 2027 or other future elections a year after a General Election is tactless, anti-people and primitive. It is a blot on the maturity of our democracy. President Ruto has assigned me a role of championing his administration’s programs for the transformation of our country into a sustainably safe homeland for this and future generations,” he stated.
“This sensitive role demands relentless focus and total abstinence from all manner of distracting misadventures. The ongoing debate ought to stop, but if it must proceed, I respectfully request that my name should not be dragged into it. May God bless Kenya,” he added.