Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has thrown some serious shade at Rift Valley politicians close to President William Ruto.
DP Gachagua appears convinced there is a sneaky scheme brewing to split the vote-rich Mt Kenya region with eyes on the 2032 succession.
Speaking during a funds drive in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County – Ruto’s home turf – Gachagua didn’t mince his words.
He accused these Rift Valley politicians of using Mt Kenya MPs to undermine him and labeled it an act of betrayal.
“Some few politicians around the President want to meddle with Mt Kenya politics to fight me. Mt Kenya politics are so complicated and what we hate is betrayal. As Mt Kenya, we have never interfered with Rift Valley politics and we deserve respect,” he stated.
Gachagua also took a jab at the mysterious source of funds for some Rift Valley politicians, who he said are living large and flying all over the country in choppers while the common Mwananchi is suffering.
DP Gachagua’s political career is at a crossroads.
Some analysts say could either stay put and fight until the 2027 or 2032 General Election, play hardball and demand the removal of his foes from government, bolt out and start an opposition movement, or launch opposition while still in office.
Uniting Mt Kenya, possibly under the guidance of former President Uhuru Kenyatta might be a strategic move.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has attempted to ease tensions, affirming that President Ruto and the Rift Valley have no issues with Gachagua.
But some politicians like Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and others are pushing for Gachagua to declare his interest in the presidency for 2027.
DP Gachagua’s allies such as Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba and former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu are also vocal about the need for Mt Kenya to field a presidential candidate in 2027.
