'You risk losing big if you shift your support for Ruto': Mudavadi warns Mt. Kenya

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has warned the Mt. Kenya region that it risks losing the second-in-command position if they don’t fully support President William Ruto, ahead of the 2027 general election.

Mudavadi said other regions envy the leadership and development benefits the region has received under President Ruto's tenure, saying it is time they reexamine where their political future lies.

Speaking at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa in Othaya, Nyeri County on Sunday, where he stated that he had been sent by the President to represent him, Mudavadi said there are many people who are eyeing the position of the Deputy President including himself and if not careful the mountain will lose it.

He insisted that they must hold on to what they have.

“I want to appreciate the leaders from here (Mt Kenya), you are solid but if you continue playing and let it slip, we want it and we will take it. A bird in hand is better than 10 in the bush. Hold on to what you have, take it seriously. There are Kenyans out there who wish they had a fraction of what you have,” the Prime CS said.

He went on to say that the region is lucky to be working with a Head of State who has a lot of faith in their people.

Mudavadi said that they must not waste such an opportunity and they must continue working with President Ruto just like other parts of the country.

"I want to appreciate you people and to extension our third President Mwai Kibaki who was forthright and focused. He was a leader who believed in institutions and the rule of law." said Mudavadi.

"You need to be aware that the headline that does not change is the unity and development of all Kenyans. That is President Ruto's philosophy."

He hailed the region and its leaders for remaining firmly behind the current administration but warned of the possibility of change of tune when the current administration has begun to show Kenyans the fruits of hard work, unity of purpose and patience.

“I want to encourage you when you have an opportunity of this nature and you are working with a president who has a lot of faith in the people of this region, don’t waste the opportunity, take it seriously. Work with him, work with other Kenyans and that is where we stand,” he said.

Mudavadi however, cited the case of Western Kenyan where they have always worked with other leaders, despite them and their numbers not producing a president in the country.

He insisted that the country is for all Kenyans to live in work and defend.

“For now, a president has never come from Western Kenya but we live, work and grow in this country, and we also defend this country. It cannot be if you only defend if you think there is particular position from your region,” Mudavadi added.

The Prime CS said the current regime in which he serves in is ready to fulfill all the commitments it made to Kenya and where there will be doubts it will admit and explain to Kenyans.

He also acknowledged that the government is working closely to address the concerns of the youth across the country ahead of the new financial year.