‘Let’s not be transfixed with childish politics of succession’ – Gachagua tells Mt Kenya leaders
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has implored Mt Kenya leaders to shelve 2032 succession politics amid reports of supremacy battles in the vote-rich region.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Nyandarua County Assembly at his official residence in Karen on Tuesday, January 23, the country's second-in-command warned that it was too early for the leaders to start politicking.
He urged the politicians to redirect their energies to helping President William Ruto implement his development agenda.
"Let us not be transfixed with childish politics of succession and elections. We have barely come from elections. People want to be served, people want roads and reforms in the dairy sector," Gachagua stated.
"I want to appeal to everybody, more so those in our region where people look a little bit confused, to focus on service delivery. I want this region to be united behind President Ruto," he added.
At the same time, DP Gachagua called on leaders to unite in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse in the central region.
"Those who want to lead if all these young people are all dead who will you lead? There will be nobody to lead. Let us first preserve this generation," he added.
The DP lauded members of the Nyandarua County Assembly following the enactment of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2023, which tightens the noose on illicit liquor traders.
"Alongside Governor Badilisha Kiarie, who has assented the Bill into law, the leaders have displayed immense courage and determination in true service to the people by enacting a people-centred legal framework regulating manufacturing, distribution and sale of alcohol," Gachagua averred.
"President William Ruto and the entire government congratulate the honourable members for heeding our call to save our youth from imminent destruction."
Restless Mt Kenya
Reports of a supremacy battle pitting Gachagua and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro surfaced recently after a section of politicians in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance endorsed the lawmaker as Ruto's successor in the 2032 elections.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of Sigowet-Soin MP Justice Kemei's father, the MPs drawn from various parts of the country cited the Kiharu lawmaker’s development record, saying it placed him head and shoulder above other politicians in the Ruto succession race.
The legislators also backed Nyoro as President Ruto's running mate in the 2027 polls.
However, a section of leaders drawn from Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties over the weekend differed with their colleagues, saying Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki should succeed Ruto in 2032.
The leaders argue that the position Gachagua occupies was meant for Kindiki.
