Gachagua warns of succession politics as section of Mt Kenya leaders plot his replacement

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has warned politicians against engaging in succession politics against President William Ruto.

Speaking in Tinderet, Nandi County, Gachagua said the President has served for only one year and has nine more to go before he retires.

“The President was elected a year ago. Some are discussing how they will succeed him. It is not time to discuss how to succeed the President. It is time to work. Let us focus on helping the President. We will discuss the rest later. Currently, we are focused on service delivery,” Gachagua said.

Speaking in Chepalungu on Monday, he said he was focused on service delivery, urging politicians to avoid such politics.

“It is disrespectful to start discussions of 2032 and succession of President Ruto. It is also insensitive and rude to the people of Kenya. The people do not want to hear about elections. They do not want to hear who will be elected where; they want service delivery; they want electricity, water and other forms of development,” the Deputy President said.

Gachagua faults Keter

The Deputy President also took a swipe at former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter for criticising the government, accusing him (Keter) of being part of the former regime.

“I saw a young man chased away by the people of Nandi Hills criticising the government and people are clapping for him. when fertiliser was Ksh7,000 he was in that (Jubilee) government and he was not speaking. Never forget all those who undermined this President (William Ruto),” he added.

Gachagua’s sentiments come at a time when there is disquiet in the Mt Kenya region, with several politicians plotting to replace Gachagua as the region’s kingpin.

A section of leaders from the Mt Kenya region are calling for the replacement of Gachagua as Mt Kenya’s political kingpin with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

Among the UDA honchos backing Nyoro to replace Gachagua include Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Gatanga MP Edward Muriu and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.

The politicians want Nyoro mentored in preparation for the 2032 General Elections.