Gachagua hits out at Rift leaders dividing Central

DP Rigathi Gachagua arrives for the ordination of Bishop John Kiplimo arap Lelei at the Mothers of Apostle Seminary in Eldoret. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday accused some politicians in President William Ruto's inner circle of fueling division in the coalition.

The DP said the leaders from the Rift Valley were out to mislead Mt Kenya region.

"As Deputy President, I have the responsibility to ensure that President Ruto succeeds in service delivery to all Kenyans. My focus at the moment is service delivery, period. Those out to cause political tension should leave us alone," he said.

"A few leaders from Rift Valley region with proximity to the President are moving around claiming to organise Mt Kenya region. I want to tell them that our resolve to support President Ruto remains firm. We are honest and straightforward people."

He reminded the leaders that Kenya Kwanza government was made out of sacrifices, saying President Ruto and himself, among others, went through difficulties before elections.

Speaking during a women and youth empowerment event in Kesses constituency, Uasin Gishu, Gachagua millions of shillings were been spent to hire choppers for meetings in Central, even as the ordinary citizens lack resources.

"Msitupange mlima Kenya kwa maana hamtawezana (do not seek to align us because we are firm). Mt Kenya is so complicated and only mountaineers understand it," said Gachagua.

"We do not want to be taken back to the politicking period. Stay in your positions and work within your jurisdictions. What we don't want is political tourism. We are straightforward people. The only thing we hate is betrayal."

"In the mountain, we are supporting the President and will do so until he completes his two terms. We are working well with the president," said Gachagua adding that even after Ruto's term, they will respect and not interfere with any decision that Rift Valley will forge.

He asked elders from the Rift Valley to help the President "manage some leaders who are overstepping so that Rift Valley does not become a theatre that bears all manner of drama".

Earlier, Kenya Kwanza leaders from President Ruto's backyard threw their weight behind Gachagua amid a potential split.

Led by Senators Samson Cherargei, Jackson Mandago and Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the leaders dispelled claims that there is a split in the Kenya Kwanza.

Tindiret MP Julius Meli urged Kenyans to support the government. He said residents of North Rift acknowledge the role that the Deputy President played during the campaigns for the last General Election.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said the DP has been supporting the President and should, in turn, be accorded the same support.

"You (DP) and the President are like twins. The rest are purely rumours that should be ignored," he said.

Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago urged for unity.