President Uhuru Kenyatta and his ‘brother’ Raila Odinga raised speculation when they postponed their visit to Mt Kenya region from April/May to June.
It is an open secret that there has been a simmering rebellion by a section of Central Kenya politicians over the duo’s political pact. Some pundits even argued that the Mt.Kenya Prince has lost his lieutenants who have hitherto transfered their allegiance to the Sugoi Lord.
Mr Kamau Mweha, a Kigumo Constituency politician and a close ally of Mr Odinga, said the two leaders will visit the region in a bid to popularize the Building Bridges Initiative that was kick started following the camaraderie between the President and the opposition chief.
Security reports indicated that the politicians allied to Ruto were hell bent on creating trouble during the visit in a well calculated move to portray that the handshake deal was not welcomed at the President’s backyard.
Allegedly, there were elaborate plans to heckle and even stone the two leaders in their Central Kenya tour.
Quick recommendations were made on how to neutralize deputy president William Ruto’s allies in Central and top on the list was to have their security details axed.
The move is already causing jittery between President Kenyatta and his deputy Ruto who have been openly in a strained relationship.
Pundits indicated that the move to withdraw security details was just a highlight of impending havoc the President is likely to crack on those perceived to be frustrating his legacy agendas.
The first casualties are Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika and Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri.
Presidential order to have their security withdrawn also comes days after it was reported that the head of state was rapidly losing his backyard support to the deputy president Ruto.
The Senate Majority Leader is Kipchumba Murkomen, his counterpart in the National Assembly is Aden Duale. Senate Majority Whip is Susan Kihika, National Assembly Majority Whip Ben Washiali and Budget and Appropriation Committee chairman Kimani Ichung’wa are all are also reportedly targeted for removal from House leadership posts.
Senators Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho) and Samson Cherargei (Nandi) as well as MPs William Cheptumo (Baringo North) and David Pkosing (Pokot South) have also reportedly been earmarked for removal from House committees.
MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Faith Gitau (Nyandarua Woman Rep) and Sabina Chege (Murang’a Woman Rep) were the latest leaders to have their security detail recalled.
So far one governor, a senator and at least 10 MPs, especially from central Kenya, have been targeted in the drastic action that has also affected county executive committee members who have been enjoying armed escorts.The official explanation from Police Spokesman Charles Owino is that the withdrawal is in line with the police transformation agenda launched last September.