Speaking in Kisii on Tuesday, November 10, President Ruto invoked the biblical story of King Herod to characterize Gachagua’s political opposition toward younger figures, asserting that Gachagua targets leaders like Nyoro out of insecurity over their expanding influence.
President Ruto called on his former deputy to stop confronting emerging leaders, specifically referencing Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda, Senator John Methu, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro.
“Mr Herod, when you see a young leader growing politically, you start fighting him. You are fighting with Methu, Ndindi, Ichung’wah, Aaron Cheruiyot, Osoro, and other young leaders; why?” President Ruto posed.
Addressing the country’s broader leadership succession, President Ruto pledged to retire in 2032 alongside his political contemporaries, including Gachagua and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, to clear the pathway for Kenya’s younger generation.
“Mimi hawa watu wote hawa ni rika yangu na mimi nataka niwahakikishie vijana wa Kenya, hawa watu wote, huyu Mr 40 (Kalonzo), na huyo mwingine Bwana Texas (Gachagua), hawa watu wote nitawakusanya, nitawasafirisha, mimi na wao tutaondoka 2032,” President Ruto declared.
Translation: (I want to assure Kenya’s youth that these people are all my age-mates, this “Mr 40” [Kalonzo] and that other one, Mr Texas [Gachagua]; I will gather them all, send them off, and they and I will leave in 2032.)
Local leaders from the Abagusii region echoed the president’s sentiments, rejecting factional and tribal politics while affirming their support for the current administration.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati cautioned citizens against leaders who plan to abandon the country during political shifts.
“Gachagua recently said if things go wrong in Kenya after the next election, he will flee Kenya and settle on his farm in Texas, United States. Kenyans should therefore be wary of this evil man,” Arati warned. He noted that Kisii and Nyamira counties have recorded significant development gains under the current administration, confirming the region’s backing for President Ruto’s re-election bid.
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro added that development progress accelerated following Gachagua’s impeachment, accusing the former deputy of using a “shareholding” economic philosophy that sidelined certain regions.
Concurrently, Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi commended the government’s equitable distribution of public resources, reassuring the administration of full regional backing in the 2027 general election.
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