Mathira Member of Parliament Rigathi Gachagua has refuted allegations that the Mount Kenya Region is interested in securing the deputy presidency during the 2022 General elections.
While appearing on a panel on TV47 on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, the lawmaker stated that the roles of president and deputy president have in the recent years not benefited the people of Central Kenya.
Gachagua stated that the majority of focus should be directed towards ensuring equitable development and sharing of resources across the country.
The deputy President William Ruto allied lawmaker noted that members of the public from the all parts of the country should target and embrace the DP’s economic approach of building the country from the bottom up.
The Mathira legislator further noted that the incumbent, President Uhuru Kenyatta, hails from Mount Kenya, yet the region has continued to suffer.
“Mt Kenya region is not looking for the deputy president’s position in 2022 because we currently have the presidency and we are suffering,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua’s sentiments come at a time when there have been reports of an infighting among allies of DP Ruto for the running mate position.
Last week, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, a vocal supporter of DP Ruto, pronounced that any presidential aspirant seeking Mt Kenya’s support should offer the running mate position, along with 40 per cent of other top government jobs.
“The position of the DP is non-negotiable for the Mt Kenya region commensurate with our votes. We also demand 40% of all government appointments,” Kuria stated.
Multiple other reports have since indicated that DP Ruto is contemplating the selection of a running mate from Central Kenya, as to consolidate his support from the vote-rich region.