Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has hit out at Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying the warm reception President William Ruto received during his recent tour of the Mount Kenya region is a clear sign that Gachagua’s political grip on the area is slipping.
“I want to tell Rigathi Gachagua that the writing is on the wall. You told us the President should not touch the mountain, yet during his visit, he was warmly received and asked to return,” Sang said.
Sang urged the ex-deputy President to accept his waning influence in the region, claiming that his attempts to sow discord between Mount Kenya residents and the President have failed.
“You cannot create conflict between the people of Mount Kenya and the President, or between Mount Kenya and the rest of the country,” he added.
Sang urged Gachagua to join Ruto in building a united Kenya across all tribes and ensure that everybody feels part and parcel of the Republic of Kenya.
Sang spoke as President Ruto concluded his tour of the region on April 5, during which he visited at least nine counties and launched various road projects.
Allies of the President described the tour as a success, despite earlier warnings from Gachagua and his camp about possible hostility.
Gachagua, who plans to launch his own political party in May, has insisted that Mount Kenya residents have turned their backs on Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
However, Sang dismissed those claims, saying the region remains firmly behind the President.
“Mount Kenya is united and supports the President as he works to transform the economy and improve the lives of Kenyans. We thank the people of the mountain for demonstrating political maturity by welcoming the Head of State,” Sang concluded.
