Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is on an intensive campaign to quell the disputes that have arisen within the ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
On Sunday, UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire claimed there was a plot to oust her, accusing senior government officials, whom she claimed are also orchestrating moves to undermine her leadership in Embu County.
"You know I am the chairperson of the UDA Party, and if there is anyone who has suffered because of supporting the government, it is me," a livid Mbarire said during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations.
She went on to allege that the unnamed government officials are holding clandestine night meetings, travelling from Nairobi to Embu to further their plot in collusion with local leaders.
"We traversed the whole of Embu with MCAs and my deputy, asking people to support the government so as to benefit, and now you are coming all the way from Nairobi to disrupt Embu," she stated.
"I will not accept that. You know yourselves. I dare you to come back to Embu again. We will deal with each other man-to-man... I am a leader elected by the people of Embu County, and you are going to respect me."
Her claims threw a curveball into the ruling party, as it seeks to solidify support within the Mt Kenya region amid rifts facing some politicians allied to the President.
According to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Mbarire’s claims are a familiar playbook, used to elevate her to the post and push Khalwale and Senator Johnson Muthama from party leadership.
“Out of the blue, Gov. Cecil Mbarire was elevated to the National Chairman & Cleophas Malala was plucked from the ANC Party, becoming the Secretary General of UDA,” Khalwale said on Monday.
Adding, “Ostensibly, this was to get rid of Sen Muthama and teach Dr Boni Khalwale a lesson, both of whom were founder members of UDA. UDA is now in a spin!”
Following these explosive claims, Kindiki, who is the party’s second in command, held a consultative meeting with the Senator and Members of Parliament from Embu County on Tuesday night.
Then, on Wednesday morning, Kindiki held talks with the Embu Governor and the County Assembly Majority Leader, Peter Muriithi, in a bid to find calm in the region.
According to Kindiki’s office, the talks with the members also extended to the status of national government projects in the area and interventions to protect key agricultural value chains, including tea, coffee, macadamia and cathus edulis (Muguuka).
While his office has remained tight-lipped on whether or not the talks have yielded the desired results, the timing of the meeting is crucial for the DP, who is seeking to consolidate the Mt Kenya region following the ouster of Rigathi Gachagua, who is increasingly gaining popularity.
