As the 2022 succession politics gain momentum, there is increased political realignment especially in President Uhuru’s backyard .
At the same time, it seems Ruto’s growing popularity in Uhuru’s backyard is as well raising alarm which has prompted a section of leaders to warn him against stepping foot in the County without his boss.
Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo has opined that Central Kenya politicians are disrespecting President Uhuru Kenyatta because he is soft-hearted.
Kabogo argued that the same would not be happening if Uhuru’s father, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, was the president.
“They’re taking advantage of his soft-hearted nature. If it was Mzee Jomo, my friend wangeona chamtema kuni (they would have faced the music),” read a tweet by Kabogo on Tuesday.
They’re taking advantage of his soft hearted nature. If it was Mzee Jomo, my fren wangeona chamtema kuni
— Hon. William Kabogo (@honkabogo) May 28, 2019
The country’s founding father is regarded by many as a man who was tough and principled, as he demanded respect and earned it at the same time.
The flamboyant politician was responding to a concern raised by city lawyer Donald Kipkorir who argued that Mt Kenya politicians especially those from Kiambu, unlike their Rift Valley counterparts, were fond of publicly defying the Head of State.
Kipkorir hit out at the politicians, terming their behaviour childish.
“If President Uhuru Kenyatta was Kalenjin, you will never have heard the nonsense of Kalenjin governors, senators, MPs & MCAs defying him … That elected leaders from Mount Kenya region & especially Kiambu are showing open contempt for the president is shocking but also puerile,” said Kipkoror in a tweet.
The President’s defiance in the region has been fueled as the Uhuru is about to exit politics by 2022.
Several politicians have either expressed their desire or taken political moves that have suggested that they want to be the next kingpin of the vote-rich region.
They include but not limited to Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, Gatundu South lawmaker Moses Kuria, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri and former MP Peter Kenneth.