DP Gachagua downplay fallout in Kenya Kwanza, call for Mt Kenya unity as State House deny rift

The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has downplayed an apparent fallout within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition after appearing for the first time after a weeklong disappearance from the public limelight and instead called for the Mount Kenya unity.

At the same time, State House dismissed reports of strained relations between president William Ruto and his deputy.

State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed who was responding to a question by one of the journalists during a press briefing onpPresident William Ruto’s historic visit to the US said there was no issue between the two leaders.

On his part, while speaking today during a fundraiser at Sacred Heart Endarasha Catholic Church, Kieni constituency, Nyeri county, the DP steered clear of the national politics but urged the people of the Mount Kenya region to unite and shun divisive politics.

He also said he is the spokesperson of the Gikuyu community despite retired president Uhuru Kenyatta having been named as the substantive official spokesperson during the Friday May 17, 2024 Limuru III conference.

The Deputy President said that a lot has been happening in Mount Kenya region urging leaders to avoid being used to fight others.

Gachagua urged the people of the Mount Kenya region to unite and shun divisive politics.

“There is no issue between the President and his Deputy. If you have a question or want to find anything about the DP, you can get the information from the Office of the Deputy President which has all the capabilities and competencies.” Hussein said.

“As the DP, I decided to speak less and work more for the last 10 months, as the spokesperson of the Kikuyu community, I’m ready to work for my people.” Gachagua said.

He urged political players to mind their own business noting that he is committed to serving under president William Ruto.

“A lot has been said about me, MPs have nothing to say about, they should mind about CDF and other services to the community. You should never stab your brother in the back just because he is doing well, you should support him as all the glory will go back to the family.” Gachagua added.

Adn in what seemed to indicate all is not rosy within the UDA party top leadership and the larger Kenya Kwanza coalition, Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga and a close ally of the DP alleged that there are leaders who are being used to fight the Deputy President.

Kahiga said that the Mount Kenya region will fully rally behind the DP. He further said Gachagua is being fought politically.

“We know all those who are being used to fight Gachagua and will not take it lightly, Gachagua must be respected.” Governor Kahiga said.

Naivasha MP Jane Kihara said that the Mount Kenya region risks losing a lot if they fail to follow Gachagua.

Kihara said that all that has been happening is political and some leaders have been compromised to fight Gachagua.

She said that President Ruto had a reason why he settled on Gachagua and not any other leader.

“We won’t allow Gachagua to be disrespected, he is our leader and we will rally behind him.” Kihara said.

Speaking separately yesterday, National Assembly Majority Whip and South Mugirango legislator who is a key confidant of the president Sylvanus Osoro, while responding has to Kenyans who have been asking for the whereabouts of Deputy President, he said Gachagua’s absence from the political space is because he took time off work to rest.

However, he was quick to say that leaders should avoid political blackmail for them to survive politically.

“I’ve seen people raise issues with the absence of the Deputy President in the political scene. The Deputy President can also relax. He has been worked up for some time and has now taken a break for a week or so, let him relax…I hear tomorrow he will be in Nyeri, he will speak for himself. For now, it has been very tough on him. The most important thing for us in the political space, we must shun blackmail for us to survive. It’s important for us to stop the personality discussion and focus on development.” Osoro remarked.