When Ruto wanted someone to stand with him, I was there – DP Gachagua

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked Kenya Kwanza leaders to stop divisive politics and focus on supporting President William Ruto in delivering development as promised to Kenyans.

Speaking at Kipkok Primary School, Sigowet-Soin Constituency, during a fundraiser for the Peace and Mercy Church of Africa on Saturday, Gachagua said the Ruto administration is barely two years in office, therefore, politics of 2032 are misplaced and disruptive.

“I want to ask our leaders in Kenya Kwanza to drop this agitation. Drop divisive talk and (siasa za milengo). Stop creating factions in our government and focus, ” the Deputy President said.

DP Gachagua said those who want to succeed President Ruto should wait for the right time.

“The most important business of the day is to ensure President Ruto succeeds. That is my focus and commitment. When people start succession politics of 2032, it causes distraction,” he said.

“I want to ask our leaders to stop; 2032 is very far away, it is unnecessary, it is unhelpful, it is inappropriate, and it is irritating. Let all of us serve the people of Kenya and support the President to succeed.”

Gachagua said his full focus remains to support President Ruto in discharging his responsibilities, and will not be distracted.

“When President Ruto wanted someone to stand with him, I was there. We campaigned for him. He is a product of our effort; our work is to support him deliver,” the Deputy President said.

He added that there is no luxury of delving into high octane politics when Kenyans are waiting for development as underpinned by the Kenya Kwanza's Plan pillars.

On the other hand, the Deputy President said the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party is strong, focused and intact.

He dismissed claims of a crisis meeting called by the President on Saturday afternoon, saying the forum was planned in advance for discussions on strengthening the party on its development ideology.

The DP supported remarks supported by Kericho Senator and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot that  there is no crisis in UDA.

Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ngéno asked other leaders in the Kenya Kwanza alliance to support the Deputy President as he works with the President for a better Kenya.

The MCAs of Kericho County and Governor Eric Mutai thanked the DP for intervening in the leadership crisis, saying now there is peace.

The Governor said there is good oversight so far, adding that the allocation of over Ksh.400 billion to the counties is historical and this will accelerate development at the grassroots.

Gachagua said the government is committed to sustainable peace along the border of Kisumu and Kericho County.

He added that he will not relent in the war on illicit brew, drugs and substance abuse.