- DP said political leaders and public officials should focus on working for Kenyans so that the President can succeed in his development plan.
- Gachagua also stated that his working relationship with President Ruto is firm and geared towards transforming the country.
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged political leaders to stop the debate on sharing of positions in 2027 and 2032 elections and instead focus on implementation of President William Ruto's manifesto.
Gachagua appealed to leaders to shun the debate so that the Head of State can succeed in his development agenda.
"Kenyans want development not politics or show of opulence. The political leaders and public officials should focus on working for Kenyans so that the President can succeed in his development plan," Gachagua said.
"Let us avoid the talk on 2027 and 2032 elections. Instead, that energy should be directed towards discharging mandates of the current positions and offices you hold," he said.
Gachagua made the remarks during a joint media interview with vernacular stations from Mt Kenya region on Sunday night.
He also stated that his working relationship with President Ruto is firm and geared towards transforming the country.
Gachagua cautioned political leaders against spreading false information concerning his relationship with the President.
"There exists no bad blood between President Ruto and I. We have a good relationship and as his principal assistant, he consults me on various issues, for instance on the formation of a broad-based Government, before making the final decision," he said.
The DP said he has been assigned many other mandates such as chairing and coordinating inter-governmental relations between the National Government and County Governments including chairing the Inter-Governmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC).
"I am the principal assistant to the President and I do not contradict his position. My duty is to serve Kenyans and execute the roles assigned to me by the President," the DP said.
He added: "On formation of the broad-based Government, I supported him. The new (Cabinet) nominees, including those picked from the Opposition Party, are welcome so that we drive the country forward together."
Asked whether picking people from the opposition party may defeat the purpose of presidential elections, the DP said that "the President has the prerogative and is free to hire the people he wishes to work with".
He urged public officials and political leaders to shun early campaigns for 2027 and 2032 elections.
On recent protests by the youth, the Deputy President asked Kenyans to be patient with the President and allow him to address the grievances raised.
"Let us give the President a chance to work for Kenyans and implement his manifesto. The President has already committed to listening to their grievances," he said.
Gachagua further explained that the one-man-one-shilling mantra is a call for equality and equity in disbursement of funds, adding that the formula will benefit all counties.
"The formula of One-Man-One Shilling in resource allocation is good for all people not only those Mt Kenya counties. We are not saying that some regions should lose their share, we mean that there should be equity and fairness," he said.
The Deputy President welcomed the decision of opposition leader Raila Odinga to support the proposal.