Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has remained steadfast in his assertion as the undisputed leader of the Mt. Kenya region, dismissing rumors of discord between himself and President William Ruto. Gachagua, speaking at Kagumo in Kirinyaga County on Saturday, strongly rebuffed claims suggesting he might be ousted from the Kenya Kwanza government, declaring his tenure is secure until its natural conclusion.
The deputy president’s statements came amidst swirling political speculation that he had lost favor with President Ruto and could be pushed out of his position. Gachagua, however, was quick to dismiss these claims as baseless, insisting that his partnership with Ruto remains strong. “I was elected alongside President Ruto, and I will remain in government until our term ends. Those spreading rumors should focus on development instead,” Gachagua asserted.
In a display of confidence, Gachagua questioned those doubting his leadership, emphasizing his commitment to the development of the Mt. Kenya region. “Who is the king of this region? We love development,” he said, reiterating his role as the region’s primary political leader. He urged members of parliament and other political leaders to refrain from fueling unnecessary debate and instead focus on serving the people. “If I’m not complaining, who else is complaining? Let them stop,” Gachagua remarked, underscoring his authority and dismissing any notion of internal conflict.
President William Ruto, who accompanied Gachagua during the Kirinyaga visit, echoed the deputy president’s sentiments by affirming his government’s dedication to national development. Ruto highlighted his administration’s efforts to create a broad-based government aimed at fostering unity and driving economic transformation. In an unprecedented move, the president had recently included four opposition-allied members in his Cabinet during the second round of appointments, following public pressure to address concerns about governance.
“You can see I’m accompanied by Hassan Joho, the new Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, and Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry,” Ruto said, showcasing the inclusivity of his government. This gesture was seen as an attempt to broaden the government’s support base and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity.
During his tour of Kirinyaga, President Ruto also focused on delivering tangible development projects to the region. He commissioned the construction of the Sagana Special Economic Zone and the County Aggregation and Industrial Park, projects expected to significantly boost the local economy. Additionally, Ruto visited the Sagana Fisheries Research Institute, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing the region’s agricultural and fisheries sectors.
In a bid to improve infrastructure, the president launched the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project at Kang’aru, which aims to provide electricity to more households in the region. He also commissioned the Kiangùngù TVET College in Kirinyaga Central, a move that underscores the government’s focus on education and skills development. The construction of the Baricho-Kagumo-Gathuthuma-Kangaita Road was also launched, furthering the government’s infrastructure agenda in Mt. Kenya.
Gachagua’s reaffirmation of his position as the Mt. Kenya kingpin, coupled with Ruto’s development-focused initiatives, signals the administration’s resolve to maintain political stability and drive growth in the region. As the Kenya Kwanza government continues to implement its development agenda, both leaders seem determined to quash any doubts about their unity and commitment to serving the nation.
