Gachagua quashes Ruto succession debate
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reiterated his stand on succession politics that has been taking shape in the Mount Kenya region.
Speaking after a meeting with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Nyandarua at his official residence, the DP Gachagua instead urged Mount Kenya residents to remain united and quell the succession disputes.
While terming the same as childish politics, the second in command argued the country had just come from an intense politicking season and the focus should now be on service delivery to Kenyans rather than who people should rally behind ahead of the 2027 polls.
He said: “People want service. They want to know about roads, farming, electricity, and milk, why are we fixating on elections? Let us quell this talk. I want to appeal to everyone more so that in our region, people look a little bit confused. Let us focus on service delivery and we want this region of ours to be united under President William Ruto the way we agreed to support him and work.”
The DP’s comments come days after a section of Kenya Kwanza MPs proposed Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as a possible replacement for Gachagua ahead of the forthcoming general elections. Kiambu governor Anne Waiguru, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi have also been mentioned as possible alternatives in political circles.
“I was sworn in as the principal assistant to the President and I will do just that. I will not be dissuaded from engaging in unnecessary and uncalled-for succession politics. What they (politicians) do not seem to understand is that I do not mix issues and I always remain focused on one item and ensure I deliver on it. For now, it is delivering as the Deputy President. Nothing else,” he said.
As a result, there is still a push and pull among leaders with some throwing their weight behind DP Gachagua while others maintaining that MP Nyoro is better suited for the seat come 2027.
Also read: Politicians who have been caught on camera slapping citizens
Understanding 9 freedoms of the air that caused tensions in Kenya-Tanzania