By Veronicah Stellah
Thursday,23rd May 2024.
A growing rift between President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, fueled by their respective allies, is highlighting the volatile nature of Kenyan politics. Politicians who staunchly defended President Ruto during his tenure as Deputy President under former President Uhuru Kenyatta are now leading a conspicuous campaign against Gachagua.
These leaders, who once blamed Kenyatta for sidelining Ruto and delegating his duties to Cabinet Secretaries and junior staff, are now calling for Gachagua’s replacement as Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 election. Some are even pushing for Gachagua’s resignation. They had previously accused Kenyatta of isolating Ruto following the 2018 handshake with opposition leader Raila Odinga and pledged to defend Ruto as a lesson to Kenyatta.
Among the prominent figures in this movement is Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who is being positioned as a potential successor to Gachagua. Nyoro, known for his loyalty to Ruto, is actively participating in church fundraisers, distributing donations purportedly from the President and accompanied by other elected leaders. While Nyoro himself has not directly criticized Gachagua, his allies claim that 2027 will be Murang’a’s turn to provide a Deputy President, citing a need for generational change and positioning Nyoro as the ideal candidate.
MPs supporting Nyoro argue that it is Murang’a’s time, given that Kiambu and Nyeri have previously produced a Prime Minister, Presidents, and now the current Deputy President. During Kenyatta’s administration, Nyoro gained popularity for his vocal support of Ruto, often condemning Kenyatta for allegedly humiliating his deputy.
In January 2020, Nyoro declared, “Despite the humiliation, state harassment, and isolation the Deputy President has faced, God willing, he will make the best President Kenya has ever had.”
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the electorate might forgive the President if he chose Nyoro as his running mate over Gachagua, whom he accused of pursuing a divisive agenda. Gatanga MP Edward Muriu added, “Women of Murang’a also give birth to leaders, and Nyoro is qualified enough to deputize Ruto and become a leader.”
Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru, who shifted allegiance from Kenyatta to Ruto in 2022, has recently criticized Gachagua for allegedly personalizing the Deputy President’s office and discouraging ambition. She emphasized the importance of supporting all aspirants, particularly women and youth.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa, a staunch Ruto supporter during the former administration, has remained neutral in the current Mt. Kenya power struggle. He previously condemned Jubilee members for targeting Ruto allies, advocating for a united Kenya under Ruto’s leadership.
Meanwhile, leaders from the Rift Valley, who were vocal defenders of Ruto during his clashes with Kenyatta, have remained silent amid the Mt. Kenya divisions. Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, a former Ruto ally, had declared that those unhappy with Ruto’s role should resign from the Jubilee government.
As these political maneuvers unfold, the President has yet to address the escalating tensions within his ranks.
About The Author
