Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has called upon the residents of the Mount Kenya region to rally behind President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
In an exclusive interview with the Star on Monday, Kahiga emphasised the importance of a united front in supporting the government, regardless of one's political affiliation, to ensure the successful implementation of campaign promises.
Kahiga vehemently refuted allegations of a growing divide between Ruto and Gachagua, pointing out that the media should exercise caution and avoid sowing discord by promoting the idea of a clandestine 'handshake' between President Ruto and the opposition leader, Raila Odinga.
However, the governor did acknowledge that any form of understanding or collaboration between Raila and the President could have repercussions, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, which he referred to as Gachagua's political stronghold.
"I am not aware of any 'handshake' in the offing between Ruto and Raila. We saw firsthand the effect of the other infamous 'handshake' and its resultant destruction of our party Jubilee," Kahiga said.
"A 'handshake' of any kind will definitely unsettle the mountain, which is Mheshimiwa Rigathi's backyard."
Kahiga rejected the notion that Gachagua's continuous call for Mount Kenya unity was a result of political betrayal by Ruto. He expressed the government's unwavering commitment to approach the 2027 election with a united Mount Kenya region.
"We went into the 2022 elections as a divided community with the larger population going with the current President while a small percentage went the other way," he said.
"It has been a UDA/Kenya Kwanza dream that the mountain approach 2027 as one. This is why there have been moves to unite the Mountain. We are stronger together."
He said that there was no harm in Gachagua rallying support from retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for the purpose of regional unity, noting that he (Kahiga) fully endorses the Uhuru-Gachagua 'handshake', emphasising that in politics, there are no permanent enemies or permanent friends.
On Sunday, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei hinted that a potential reconciliation, or handshake, between Ruto and Raila might be in the works.
While addressing the congregation during a thanksgiving service at St Luke Anglican Church of Kenya Ndara Koluoch in Asembo, Siaya county, Koskei said that an agreement between the head of state and the opposition leader could be on the horizon.
"I won't delve into details due to my position, but I'm sure you get what I'm saying," he said.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu while speaking to the Star said that Mount Kenya region would remain united and steadfast in its support for the Kenya Kwanza government.
He expressed confidence in Gachagua's passion for regional unity and his commitment to reaching out to every leader for the common goal of unity.
He said that both Ruto and Gachagua are united and they are speaking in one voice for the sake of development, noting he isn't aware of any 'handshake' between the two.
Gachagua, speaking on Sunday in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua, pledged to continue his mission to unite and reach out to Azimio leaders from Mount Kenya in preparation for the 2027 election.
The DP stressed that his new initiative aimed to consolidate support in the region was to ensure Ruto's re-election and secure 100 per cent support from the region.
"In Mt Kenya region, President Ruto got 87 per cent of the votes cast. I am reaching out to the 13 per cent group including those in Azimio. We want Mt Kenya to give us 100 per cent in the 2027 general election," Gachagua said.
This announcement came after political figures and religious leaders voiced their support for the DP as the regional political leader, pledging their full backing.
Kikuyu Council of Elders National chairman Wachira Kiago last week endorsed the 'handshake' between Uhuru and Gachagua, acknowledging their significance as powerful figures within the Mount Kenya region.