Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed critics who question his involvement in Nairobi county affairs, saying he is more concerned about the capital to sit on the sidelines.
Speaking on Saturday, during a women's groups fundraiser hosted by Lang'ata MP Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o at Nyayo Stadium, the DP said his office closely monitors the affairs of the capital and he will ensure Nairobi county thrives.
"We have homes and families here. If Nairobi is not thriving we will not be happy. So nobody should question our interest in Nairobi because this is the capital city. We will continue working together with the county," Gachagua said.
"Nairobi is too important to be ignored, together with President William Ruto we have agreed to take a keen interest in Nairobi abd we will help restore her glory. We are not doing this just because we have voters in the city but we are also stakeholders."
MPs Benjamin Gathiru Mejja Donk (Embakasi Central), Maryanne Kitany (Aldai), Robert Basil (Yatta), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta County MP), Betty Maina (Murang'a County MP) and Mukunji Gitonga (Manyatta) and MCAs, among other leaders who were present.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Thursday, refuted claims of a supremacy battle between him and Gachagua, over the leadership of the UDA party in Nairobi County.
Sakaja said he is not happy that the name of the DP has to be dragged into the issue of the UDA party leadership.
He insisted that he respects the DP and that he (DP) is his senior in most aspects of life as well as politics.
"I respect him, he is older than me, and he is my senior politically and in terms of position. I have never talked ill about anyone, including those who always insult me," Sakaja said on Inooro TV.
There has been talk of a possible split between members of the ruling UDA party over who should be the party's next chairperson in the County of Nairobi.
The claims say that while Sakaja has declared interest in becoming chairman, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has the backing of the Deputy President.
Sakaja announced his candidature for the UDA chairmanship last week.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting with members of the County Assembly allied to the UDA party, Sakaja said he is firmly in the race to lead party members in the county.
"I want you to get this from the horse's mouth; I'm vying for the Nairobi chairmanship position in the United Democratic Alliance party," Sakaja said.