'We have no time for you!' Ruto allies slam DP Gachagua in Mt Kenya

A section of President William Ruto's allies have called on the Mt Kenya electorate to dismiss with contempt attempts by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to persuade them to withdraw their support from the Kenya Kwanza administration, just days before his party's launch.

Led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, the leaders, who conducted an empowerment drive in the former DP’s Mathira constituency, drummed up support for the current administration's programs, saying they want the Mt Kenya populace not to lose sight of what they stand to gain.

“For us, we want to focus on the agenda that we promised the people of Kenya — the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. There are others who want us to engage in the politics of hatred and division. We want to tell them: we have no time,” said Ichung’wa.

“Sisi twamshukuru Rais sana, na sana sana kwa sababu tumeona kwa mara ya kwanza bajeti ambayo imependekezwa haiongezi ushuru, ila inajaribu kuziba mashimo tulikuwa tunapotezea ushuru — na hiyo tunamshukuru sana,” Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga added.

The leaders said it is unwise to lose out because of politics meant to serve personal interests.

“Mtu asikudanganye. Wewe umepiga kura juzi, umepanga laini, alafu mtu anakwambia saa hii twende tuanze siasa ya 2027 — utakaa mjinga sana. Saa hii ni wakati ya kuita unaambia, “tunataka hii,” unaambia wabunge “tuletee hii,” unaambia mwingine “tuletee hii,” unaambia mwingine “utupange hapo.” William Ruto akikuja, utuongezee soko, tuongezee hii barabara,” said Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.

Nyandarua Woman Rep Faith Gitau on her part said, “Mtu asikudanganye. Wewe umepiga kura juzi, umepanga laini, alafu mtu anakwambia saa hii twende tuanze siasa ya 2027 — utakaa mjinga sana. Saa hii ni wakati ya kuita unaambia, “tunataka hii,” unaambia wabunge “tuletee hii,” unaambia mwingine “tuletee hii,” unaambia mwingine “utupange hapo.” William Ruto akikuja, utuongezee soko, tuongezee hii barabara.”

The empowerment forums, which have increased in Central Kenya since President Ruto’s visit to the region a month ago, have been viewed as a strategy by the head of state to warm his way back into the hearts of a region that has grown increasingly cold towards the ruling coalition.