Attacking Uhuru will cost you votes, Peter Kenneth tells DP Ruto

Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Politician Peter Kenneth has faulted Deputy President William Ruto and his allies for 'insulting' President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Kenneth said Ruto and his allies will suffer the political consequences of disrespecting a kingpin who has political influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.

Speaking at Unjiru village in Mathira in Nyeri during the burial of Mrs Margaret Wairimu, thea widow of former minister Davidson Kuguru, the former Gatanga MP defended the President for taking a stand on his succession.

"It is his right to play succession politics since he has a vote like any other Kenyan. His huge influence will surprise the other team," Kenneth said.

Asked about his views on Uhuru's announcement that he would lead in negotiations for Mt Kenya region in the next political dispensation, Kenneth said it did not matter who was picked as a running mate under the Azimio la Umoja Movement provided the position is reserved for the region.

"Mt Kenya is a vote rich region and owing to its numerical strength, it's only good that the region gets the Deputy President post, but as to who should get the seat, it is the prerogative of Raila," he said.

He said Mt Kenya was an Azimio la Umoja stronghold and refuted reports that the region was leaning towards Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

"Ruto had a headstart over others but we are now in the season of massive resignations and should start seeing real political shift towards Azimio," said Kenneth.

The former MP exuded confidence that the DP's lieutenants, including Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, would be swept away by the Azimio wave.

Kenneth, alongside Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya and Governors Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru) and Ndiritu Muriithi are seen as possible running mate of Raila in the Azimio ticket.

ODM leader Raila Odinga's wife, Mama Ida, who attend the burial, accused politicians of taking her remarks on churches out of context, saying she supported responsible self-regulation of religious organisations.