Chief Administrative Secretary in the minister of Public Service and Youth Affairs Rachael Shebesh, seems to have already decamped from Ruto’s team to Raila .
This raises questions on the succession politics surrounding President Uhuru Kenyatta’s anticipated exit in 2022 seems to be causing more confusions among Mt Kenya politicians, with just 38 months to elections.
While politicians from the region are keen to have bargaining power in the next government, they have differed on who to back between Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
While some associated with Kieleweke group have a soft spot on Raila, those associated with Tanga Tanga team have comfort in DP Ruto. They have often scolded each other in public functions.
In a video making rounds on social media, .
“I want to take you without fear or favour Your Excellency. Our people from Mt Kenya, a Jubilee stronghold, are with you,” Shebesh is heard telling Raila.
“Some people are our misleading people that Mt Kenya people don’t want handshake. Those are people who make money by speaking. Let them continue with their business. Just come to Kiambu, Nyeri or Murang’a grassroots. People call you Njamba, because you’ve given us peace.”
In March, Shebesh along with embattled Nairobi County Speaker Beatrice Elachi visited Raila at his Capitol Hill offices. Since then, the two have been pushing for Building Bridges Initiative, which has the backing of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
Over the weekend however, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, insisted that Mt Kenya region has no alternative other than to support Ruto’s bid. The DP backed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013 and 2017 polls.
“The ‘rebels’ and the ‘outsiders’ should stop insulting the DP in churches, Mt Kenya voters know their commitment to Dr Ruto and they do not need to be lectured,” said Mr Gachagua.