Internal wrangles within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party continue to intensify with Secretary General Hassan Omar throwing a jab at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Omar challenged Gachagua regarding what he viewed as an excessive exercise of power, reminding him that he does not hold the position of co-president alongside President William Ruto. READ FULL STORY
He underscored that Gachagua’s responsibilities are not those of a shared leader, but rather that of a primary supporter to Ruto.
“There are two options; I was there when you were being selected, not elected as deputy president. You were selected on the basis that the mountain had agreed to vote for William Ruto because it was an appreciation that we needed a candidate from the mountain region
“It could have been anybody, the outcome would have been the same. We went there to vote for William Ruto and for you to assist him. We didn’t elect you as the co-president. Learn the Constitution; you are the principal assistant to the president, you are not a co-president,” he said.
Omar cautioned Gachagua about the dangers of undermining the presidency, emphasizing that such actions could result in a diminished respect for him in the role of Deputy President.
He provided details regarding Gachagua’s appointment, indicating that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki was initially the leading candidate for the position until a decision was altered just 12 hours after it was made.
“If you start to undermine the presidency, we shall also stop to respect the Office of the Deputy President, not as an office but as a person. Therefore we are asking for one nation
“You were selected, and I repeat, you were selected; I was there, and the decision to select you over Kindiki changed over hours. It could have been Kindiki as deputy president, it is in public domain,” he added.
Omar additionally urged Gachagua to ready himself for the 2027 elections should he find his present position unsatisfactory.
“Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable, if you feel there are votes you brought on board as the rest of the speakers have said, exit the scene, go and prepare yourself for a contest in 2027 and let us see which Kenya will elect a tribal bigot as president,” he stated.
