Kisii
Thursday, May 27, 2024
By Felix Mogaka
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has issued a stark warning about the future of President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political alliance.
During a Monday interview on Citizen TV, Onyonka predicted that if the current political discord between the two leaders continues into next year, their partnership will face an irrevocable split.
“By next year, if this war continues like this, Gachagua will be gone and William Ruto will be gone,” Onyonka said.
This ongoing rift follows a historical pattern of tensions between Kenyan presidents and their deputies, Onyonka noted.
He speculated that Ruto might choose a different running mate for the 2027 elections if the situation doesn’t improve.
The senator’s comments come amid rumors of infighting within the Kenya Kwanza government.
On a Saturday meeting in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County, DP Gachagua blamed Mt. Kenya woes on President Ruto allies from Rift Valley. The DP also accused the said leaders of causing bad blood between him and his boss.
In a seemingly response to Gachagua’s sentiments, Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, a close ally of Ruto, said leaders should shun divisive and tribal politics, and at the same time respect each other. Sudi spoke during a church function on Sunday.
More signals of a possible fallout between President Ruto and DP Gachagua have been attributed after the latter went missing from key state functions for a week, only to resurface in Nyeri where his allies claimed of mistreatment towards Gachagua.
Gachagua also was missing in action during President Ruto’s reception back into the country after a four day state visit in the US.
Meanwhile, despite all these allegations, Gachagua reassured the public of his harmonious relationship with the President.
Speaking at an interdenominational church service in Kesses on Sunday, he emphasized on their strong working relationship.
“President Ruto and I are doing a great job, we love each other and are planning our work accordingly,” he said. Gachagua’s remarks aimed to quell fears and highlight the administration’s unity and progress.
However, Onyonka’s stark forecast suggests that without resolution, the political future of both leaders could be jeopardized ahead of the 2027 polls.
As the situation develops, the question remains whether Ruto will seek new alliances, potentially reshaping the political landscape in Kenya.