By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Digital strategist Dennis Itumbi has dismissed claims that a section of young leaders in the Mount Kenya region are pushing for a general change in the region’s leadership.
The claim was first made by Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya.
Gakuya who spoke during a church service attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had singled out Itumbi as among those pushing for a change of leadership.
But in a response, the digital strategist said their call for generational change does not amount to disrespecting current leaders.
Itumbi said the President and his deputy vowed to mentor young leaders – with an end game that one day they will take over the leadership positions.
“Ndugu Gakuya, you asked me a question in public. The call for generational change is just a voice saying the obvious, President @WilliamsRuto & DP @rigathi are on record with assurances of mentorship. We are only saying mentorship can not go on FOREVER, just like being in school, there must be a GRADUATION!” he said in a post on his X handle.
A detailed post addressing the same issue was also posted on his Facebook page.
Ndindi Nyoro has been among the leaders accused of seeking to take over the Mount Kenya leadership.
At some point a few months ago, some leaders in the region rooted for the Kiharu MP to be considered by Ruto as his running mate in 2027.
But even as DP Gachagua’s allies allege the plot from the young leaders, Itumbi insists it is not ill-intended.
“Generational Change is just a voice of the majority saying, we appreciate those before us for their guidance and achievements, but we have come of age and we are ready to take our positions in business, careers and politics,” he said on Facebook.
“Please continue with mentorship as you have told us, but know, there must be a GRADUATION, the purpose of lessons and tutorials is so that we GRADUATE,” he added.
There have been concerns over the unity of the Mount Kenya region with the second in command recently claiming some Rift Valley politicians with proximity to the President were out to destabilize them.
DP Gachagua who spoke while in Eldoret warned that such attempts will not be taken lightly.
“I want to request the Rift Valley leaders to note that we supported the President willingly because we loved doing so and we will continue doing so. But we ask for respect; don’t dare plan the politics of Mt Kenya and its leadership,” he said.