Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi. PHOTO | Courtesy
In Summary:
- Oscar Sudi addresses allegations by Deputy President Gachagua regarding Rift Valley leaders’ influence on President Ruto.
- Sudi emphasizes the need for unity and respect among leaders, condemning divisive and tribal politics.
Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi has responded to claims by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who suggested that certain Rift Valley leaders are responsible for his strained relationship with President William Ruto.
Speaking at a church event on Sunday, Sudi, a staunch supporter of Ruto, called for an end to tribal and divisive politics, advocating instead for mutual respect among leaders.
The tension arose from a meeting on Saturday in Kesses, Uasin Gishu county, where Gachagua accused some of Ruto’s close allies of sowing discord between him and the President. Gachagua expressed his frustration, alleging that these leaders were already plotting for the 2032 succession to undermine him.
“The problem is a few leaders here from this region who have proximity to the President ndio wanakoroga siasa ya huko kwetu kudanganya watu eti waaanze kupanga mambo ya 2032,” DP Gachagua said.
“The few people here wamefura wamekuwa na kiburi nyingi, wanafikiria ati sasa wamefika wanaweza kuja huko eti wapange viongozi wa mlima, ata sisi hatutakuja kuwapangia siasa yenu, lazima tuheshimiane,” he added.
Gachagua’s remarks, loosely translated, were: “A few leaders close to the President are stirring up politics in our region, misleading people to start planning for 2032. These individuals are overly confident and think they can influence Mt. Kenya leadership. We will not interfere with your politics, so you must respect ours.”
In a robust retort, Sudi dismissed Gachagua’s assertions, insisting that he will not be deterred by threats. “You cannot control where I go. If we all stayed in our respective constituencies then we could not be in government. We had to fly all over the country to ask Kenyans to elect this government. I am not someone you can threaten. I have been threatened enough and this does not move me,” Sudi declared.
He defended his involvement in fundraising for churches, a practice he inherited from Ruto, who now focuses on national issues. “Ruto passed this role to me. I will continue supporting churches across the country,” Sudi affirmed.
This latest verbal exchange follows speculation about a rift between President Ruto and DP Gachagua, exacerbated by Gachagua’s recent absence from significant state functions.
His return in Nyeri was marked by allies, including Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, protesting against what they described as mistreatment of Gachagua, vowing not to allow a repeat of the tensions seen during Ruto’s tenure as deputy president.