Political ground shifts as Uhuru takes the war to critics in Central

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru yesterday.

Overshadowed in his backyard by Deputy President William Ruto and politically mocked by juniors, President Uhuru Kenyatta has shifted gears, adopting a combative mode that has altered the political chessboard in just a week.

Wielding the big stick and calling out critics by their names, the President took to Central by storm, locking it out of his overbearing deputy, splashing goodies to restive farmers while isolating Tangatanga team for rebuke.

On Friday in Nyandarua, he slammed brakes on 2022 succession debate, throwing the race wide open with the declaration that the people will decide, and demanding respect as the sitting President.

Look for positions

“Go slow on your ambitions and know that the government is running and we are firm. It’s only God knows who will be the next president. Let me finish my term first and you will look for positions when the time comes,” he said.

In a week that began with State House meeting with Ruto where ostensibly a riot act was read, A pro-DP Governor - Ferdinand Waititu - lost his seat through a politically contrived impeachment process that also smashed the myth of Tangatanga’s tyranny of numbers.

While the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) idea - a brainchild of the President and opposition leader Raila Odinga took off, the Tangatanga group was forced to clarify its position on the initiative which appears to have reached a point of no return.

And as Ruto allies played catch up with fast developments of the week, it emerged that the government, through its agencies, was raring to further flex its muscles against critics.

From the events surrounding Mr Waititu’s ouster and the swearing-in of his deputy James Nyoro as the new Kiambu Governor, it also emerged that Judiciary is now lending full hand to the President’s resolve against the corrupt.

“The gloves are now off. You only need to observe the President’s demeanor in the last two days to know that he is not holding prisoners anymore. And it’s only a beginning. By the time he is done with these fellows they will be in a big mess,” a former Nairobi MP told the Sunday Standard yesterday.

In Kirinyaga yesterday, the President was not holding back punches against those clouding current issues with 2022 succession. He was irked at the incessant references to 2022 and the constant reminders of a debt he owes to certain quarters.

“There is no need of holding meetings calling names. Kenyans are not fools that they are not aware of the coming elections and you don’t have to keep reminding them. They will decide who they want to elect,” said the President. 

Pilfering money

During the event at Wang’uru stadium in Mwea, the President put the country on notice that the full might of his government will be deployed on those pilfering money through corruption.

He was particularly delighted at the events in Kiambu County, asking MCAs in other county assemblies to take note. He also warned MPs implicated in misappropriation of National Government Constituency Development Funds (NG-CDF) that they will soon be in for a rude shock.

“Even those handling CDF should watch out. What belongs to the people should be returned to them,” he added. 

An in what appeared to be a precursor to big corruption cases, the President asked that “going forward” those caught in graft should carry their own cross and stop playing the victim card.

“If you are caught up in corruption, do not mislead the people to believe that you’re being discriminated. You stole alone and it is you we are looking for, and you will return the stolen money back to the public. Some are shamelessly looting everything leaving Kenyans with nothing,” said Kenyatta.

At the event, only Kirinyaga Governor Ann Mumbi was allowed to address the crowd. This technically knocked out the Tangatanga leaders including area Woman Representative Purity Ngirici.

“Tell those men and women who lead you here to leave me alone. Tell them I don’t have any problem with them and they should let me work. They should wait for their time,” Kenyatta said.

He said BBI is here to stay for Kenyans’ good. He also hit out at those opposed to his unity deal with Raila saying they were living in fools paradise.

“I also spoke with Ruto in 2013 and there was peace. So, what is wrong with reaching out to this one (Raila) so that he calms down?” posed the President on the BBI politics.

Undermining him

Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi told the Sunday Standard that it is good the President was taking charge of development in his backyard. 

“It is a good thing when he is out here getting stuff done and with such gusto. If you don’t pay attention things can take rather long. Why for instance would some projects experience four year delays?” he posed.

He claimed that “the president is many things” and that he has “all the political space for himself.”

Other leaders present included Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, deputy governors John Mwaniki (Laikipia), Caroline Karugu (Nyeri), MPs Wangui Ngirici (Kirinyaga), Wachira Kabinga (Mwea) Peter Gitau (former Mwea MP), Robert Gichimu (Gichugu), Kirinyaga senator and MCAs.

When the Head of State moved to Meru later in the day, Ruto allies kept off the event as the two Meru governors and 10 MPs vowed to crack hard on those undermining him.

Governors Kiraitu Murungi (Meru) and Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi) led the MPs in pledging support for BBI at the laying of foundation stone of the New KCC  factory in Kangeta, Igembe Central. Legislators Mithika Linturi (Meru Senator), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Josephat Kabeabea (Tigania East) and nominated MP Halima Mucheke kept off.

Those present were Rahim Dawood (North Imenti), Kathuri Murungi (South Imenti), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Maoka Maore (Igembe North), John Mutunga (Tigania East), Moses Kirima (Imenti Central), Charity Kathambi (Njoro) and the host Kubai Kiringo.

“You all know that as governor I am an accommodating man but I am now pledging to deal a bit hard with those insulting Uhuru from this region,” said Kiraitu, seen as the elder politician from the region.

Njuki said it was the region was fully behind the president in supporting the BBI.

“For clarity, the BBI we support is the one that you and Raila Odinga recieved and accepted,” added Njuki.

“You are our general, if you say ‘turn right we do so, you say turn left we do so,” said Kathuri.