Mathira MP Rigathi Gachachua has excluded confidence that Mt Kenya voters will still reject the ODM leader Raila Odinga despite the endorsement by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking in Gichungu Constituency on Saturday, March 6 during the Kenya Kwanza campaign trial, Gachagua said that Mt Kenya residents will not be coerced to abandon Deputy President William Ruto.
The Mathira MP castigated the President for turning his back on the deputy president after he had promised to support his candidature after the end of his term.
“The President is going against the covenant he made. He had agreed that he would rule for 10 years and then hand over power to DP Ruto. We are shocked that the President has decided to back Odinga instead of his loyal deputy,” he said.
“DP Ruto stood with Kenyatta during the presidential elections, but sadly, he is now backing Odinga who fought him,” Gachagua added.
The outspoken lawmaker who was one-time President Uhuru’s personal assistant claimed that Odinga was not electable and told the President to stop wasting time campaigning for him in the region.
Speaking at the same rally, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro called on the Head of State to let the residents decide for themselves who their leaders should be.
“The President should stop forcing the residents to support a person they don’t want. The residents are wise enough and can make the right decision during the August 9 polls without being coerced,” Nyoro said.
The sentiments by DP Ruto’s allies come after President Uhuru publicly endorsed his handshake partner for the presidency.
Speaking at Sagana State Lodge, on Wednesday, February 23 when he hosted thousands of Mt Kenya residents, President Uhuru affirmed that the ODM leader stands a better chance of steering the nation in the right direction
“Please let us support the old man until he wins and if the other comes back, I will support him. I do not have a problem with anyone.” Uhuru said.
