- Gachagua is said to be uneasy with the new closeness between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto.
- Raila has, however, denied the existence of any deal between ODM and UDA.
Image: BRIAN OTIENO
The silent tension brewing in the ruling party is far from over.
This comes after UDA vice chairperson Hassan Omar lauded President William Rut for appointing ODM members to his broad-based government during his tour of Likoni in Mombasa on Saturday.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his displeasure at unnamed people who “took advantage of the whole scenario to settle political scores.”
“There are even more idiotic as those who try to take advantage of the whole scenario to try to settle political scores with those they don’t support or those they have a problem with,” he said.
Political analysts say the camaraderie between ODM and UDA is complicating the succession plan for the DP.
Gachagua, who has been at a crossroads with his boss over the past few months, is said to be uneasy with the new closeness between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto.
Raila has, however, denied the existence of any deal between ODM and UDA. This despite speculation he was the power broker behind the nomination of four of his lieutenants in the Cabinet.
“We said if you want to take some of our experts and get into your government, we release them to join your government but they work in accordance with the ethics of our party ODM and Azimio,” he said.
"We said we want a new Kenya and the people of Kenya are entitled to it."
Omar is a strong ally of Ruto while Nyali MP Mohammed Ali is on Gachagua's side.
The two were however seen sharing smiles as they rode in the same car when the President made a triumphant entry into Mombasa on Thursday evening to start his four-day tour of the Coast.
Omar, who had been warming up to the ODM deputy leader Hassan Joho for several months, said his (Joho's) inclusion to the Cabinet shows the Kenya Kwanza government is inclusive.
Gachagua has expressed disdain for Omar’s dalliance with ODM and Joho.
“We thank you for appointing my brother (former Mombasa Governor Hassan) Joho to the Cabinet. We are behind you in ensuring you bring a united government, a broad-based government that is inclusive,” he said during President Ruto’s stopover in Likoni, Kwale county.
He added that ODM and UDA will now be a united team that will work towards creating a better Mombasa for the interest of the residents.
“The President has directed us as UDA and Kenya Kwanza followers to work with those in ODM and those who have walked with us including (Mvita MP Mohamed) Machele, (Likoni MP Mboko) Mishi, (Mombasa Woman Representation Zamzam Mohammed, our brother (Mombasa) and Senator (Mohamed Faki),” Omar said.
Senator Faki said the head of state has united the whole of Mombasa and now it is time to work towards building Kenya.
Zamzam said the Sh400 million set aside for the blue economy, which will now be headed by Joho, will help the Mombasa youth.
“You have taken a big step in uniting Kenyans. I opposed you but today let's us work together,” she added.
Joho was nominated as Cabinet Secretary for the Mining, Blue Ecomony and Maritime Affairs ministry while his Kwale counterpart was nominated to the Investment and Trade docket.
Omar said the Kenya Kwanza government has been the most favourable regime to the Coast since 1963, citing the positions of Speaker of the Senate, two CSs, several Principal Secretaries and parastatal chairpersons and directors.
He also highlighted projects like the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, Likoni bridge and blue economy, which he said will create jobs for the youth.