Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has sparked a political firestorm with a recent statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, challenging President William Ruto’s influence over the Mt Kenya region.
Kuria emphasized that Ruto’s presidential status does not qualify him to be the Kikuyu community’s kingpin, asserting that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is the current regional leader who will guide the community towards the 2027 elections.
Public service CS Hon. Moses Kuria chats with Deputy President Hon. Rigathi Gachagua during a past state event
Kuria’s post read: “Ruto thinks being president qualifies him to be Kikuyus kingpin. He can hold meetings with Mt Kenya MPs without informing his deputy Rigathi.
However, the person who represents our region at the moment is RG, and in 2027, he will give us directions on whom to support. Hatutishwi!” The Swahili phrase “Hatutishwi” translates to “We are not intimidated,” which implies the defiant tone of Kuria’s message.
This development follows reports that President Ruto and his allies are allegedly promoting younger leaders from the Mt Kenya region, such as Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.
CS Moses Kuria gestures during a past event
The purported aim is to undermine Gachagua’s influence and render him politically irrelevant ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As the political landscape heats up, the rift between President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua could have significant implications for the unity of the ruling coalition and the future political direction of the Mt Kenya region. The region’s leaders and electorate will be keenly watching these developments as they prepare for the next election cycle.
Earlier in the day, Bomet governor, Hillary Barchok fired back at Ruto’a ally Oscar Sudi over remarks directed at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Barchok cautioned Sudi against engaging in public spats with the deputy president because it is disrespectful.
“We are not going to allow a few people to bring shame to our government. DP Gachagua must be respected. If there is something he (deputy president) has said that you do not agree with, there is a respectable way to address the same,” Barchok stated.
