President William Ruto has issued a stern warning against the resurgence of ethnic politics, addressing the nation during the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations at Masinde Muliro Stadium.
His remarks come amid growing tensions with his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, and increasing political unrest within the Mt Kenya region.
In a powerful speech, President Ruto condemned the divisive ethnic politics that have recently surfaced, particularly from Mt Kenya leaders following the Limuru III meeting last month.
“Kenya has no room for tribal or ethnic-based politics,” declared Ruto, affirming his administration’s commitment to a development-focused agenda as promised during the 2022 election campaign.
“We will never return to the politics of ethnicity or personality. We will never revert to a politics where people are not at the centre,” Ruto stated, emphasising that the 2022 General Election marked a critical shift towards issue-based politics in Kenya.
He lauded the election for clearing the path away from tribal politics and setting a precedent for future political engagement.
The once harmonious relationship between President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua is showing signs of strain. The cracks within their United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have become evident, with infighting reminiscent of the discord that plagued former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party.
Tensions escalated when UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, on May 29, called for the resignation of Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Public Service counterpart Moses Kuria. Malala accused them of undermining Deputy President Gachagua, further igniting the political turmoil within the ruling party.
Additionally, Malala targeted Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba with disciplinary actions for allegedly causing division within UDA. The targeted leaders, particularly Kahiga and Wa Muchomba, are perceived as close allies of President Ruto.
Malala’s statements have sparked a backlash, with some party leaders demanding his resignation. Critics accuse Malala of partisanship, aligning himself with DP Gachagua’s faction within the UDA. This alignment has intensified the ongoing feud, drawing more attention to the rift between Ruto and Gachagua.
Deputy President Gachagua has been vocal about his grievances, accusing certain politicians within President Ruto’s circle of stirring dissent against him in Mt Kenya.
Without naming names, Gachagua implied that CS Murkomen and MP Sudi were among those attempting to undermine him. “Some few politicians who are around the President want to meddle with Mt Kenya politics to fight me. Mt Kenya politics are so complicated and what we hate is betrayal,” Gachagua asserted during a recent event in Uasin Gishu.
He further expressed his frustration over what he perceives as betrayal, drawing parallels to former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s alleged betrayal despite Mt Kenya’s significant support for Ruto in the past elections. “It was because President Uhuru betrayed him despite the mountain knowing very well that President Ruto had brought fewer votes to their win,” Gachagua lamented.
The political turbulence is threatening to topple the UDA party, with the supremacy battle in Mt Kenya taking center stage.
President Ruto, who did not name names, was critical of tribal politics instigated in Limuru III, which brought together a section of opposition leaders and some like Gatanga MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba, who has announced joining the opposition.
While speaking at the celebrations, Gachugua reaffirmed his commitment to assisting the president to deliver on his mandate.
“Your Excellency, you are the visionary carrier of our administration, and those of us you have given the privilege to serve under you remain committed and focused to assist you in the transformation of our country,” he said.
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