President Ruto Did Not Target Mt Kenya Ministers, Gachagua Assures

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended President William Ruto's recent cabinet reshuffle which has been criticised by some leaders from the Mt Kenya region.

According to Gachagua, the President was simply reorganizing his government to align with his vision. In a live interview on Inooro FM on Friday, Gachagua assured the people of Mt Kenya that they should not feel targeted or lose hope as they are in good hands with a compassionate and respectful president. He also clarified that he has not been sidelined despite rumours suggesting otherwise. Gachagua emphasized that the President values him as his deputy, particularly because of his early rising habits. He assured that his support base in the Mt Kenya region remains strong within the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government.

The reshuffle was prompted by President Ruto's public dissatisfaction with some appointees who were deemed incompetent for their roles. As part of the changes announced on Wednesday, Moses Kuria was transferred from the Trade Ministry to the Public Service with Rebecca Miano taking his place after being moved from the East African Community ministry. Ruto expanded the ministerial portfolio of Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, appointing him as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs. This move is criticized by some experts who believe it undermines the significance of DP Gachagua's office.

Meanwhile, after a year of intermittent political disagreements, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai and his Deputy Fred Kirui have come to a resolution facilitated by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his office in Nairobi's Karen area. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, extended late into the night as the leaders aimed to address the underlying cause of their differences and find a lasting solution. Mr Gachagua confirmed on X (previously known as Twitter) that he presided over the consultative meeting with elders and leaders from Kericho County.

The meeting was attended by various leaders including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who is also the Kericho Senator, former Roads Cabinet Secretary Franklin Bett, and Kenya Forests Service (KFS) chairman Job Chirchir.