The ruling Kenya Kwanza administration is agonising for the control of the vote-rich Mount Kenya vote bloc amid waning influence to the nascent establishment at a time retired president Uhuru Kenyatta declared his comeback to active politics.
Yesterday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hosted former Jubilee Party MPs from Central Kenya who expressed their full support for Kenya Kwanza administration days after Jubilee held their well-attended National Delegates Congress (NDC) in Nairobi and resolved to expel rebels who have since shifted their allegiance to the ruling coalition.
Uhuru’s comeback is said to have triggered silent revolt against the president William Ruto government whose coalition enjoyed commanding support during last year’s presidential polls amid unmet election campaign promises, rising cost of living and alleged exclusion from government appointments.
Yesterday, the DP held consultations at length with the lawmakers who lost in the last elections at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi.
In a move aimed at further weakening the troubled Jubilee Party, Gachagua said he was grateful to host the ex-lawmakers he served with in the last Parliament adding he was ready to work with anyone to ensure the success of President William Ruto’s government.
The former legislators, who have been strong critics of the Ruto administration and supported Azimio coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the last polls, told the DP they had accepted that the President won fairly and are ready to throw their weight behind the ruling administration.
“Despite being in Jubilee, they have accepted that H.E Dr William Ruto was duly elected President; being Democrats they accepted the will of the people and congratulated him. Gachagua said.
The meeting was an extension of the DP’s quest to ensure the leaders were not left behind in the development of the region and the country.
The DP said he was only interested in embracing everyone in spite of past political differences as they implemented the transformative Kenya Kwanza Plan.
“We were best of friends but we parted ways when bad politics creeped in after the infamous Handshake on March 9, 2018. We have taken time to catch up and review the politics that divided us.” He added.
The leaders led by Jubilee Secretary General Kanini Kega distanced themselves from the violent demonstrations by Azimio Coalition and attempts to revive Mungiki by some leaders in the region.
“They have distanced themselves from Azimio La Umoja One demonstrations and attempts to revive criminal gangs to cause violence and mayhem in society.” Gachagua added.
The leaders promised to respect the voters’ will in the last election and support elected leaders to serve the people.