It has now emerged that governors from Central Kenya, who had shown open support for Deputy President William Ruto, have suddenly shunned his company.
According to Nyandarua County Assembly Majority Leader King’ori Wambugu, unfulfilled pledges and the launch and commissioning of projects that never materialised could be the main reason why they’ve distanced themselves from Ruto.
Wambugu explained that over five months ago, the DP officiated over a Harambee to buy desks for primary schools in the constituency and even donated Ksh3 million but none of the schools has received the desks.
He added that secret meetings between the DP and MCAs from the region fuelled conflicts between the assemblies and governors.
“The region’s leadership realised that the DP was using the divide-and-rule tactic to gain political mileage. When visiting Central, the DP comes with promises, but in other areas, he initiates tangible developments,” Wambugu stated.
Political analyst John Ndegwa was of the view that the governors came to a realisation that working with the President offered them the best opportunity to actualise their manifestos.
“The President and his deputy appeared to be on opposing sides. The President is after leaving a legacy while the DP is more focused on the 2022 elections, putting the country in a campaign mood against the President’s wishes. The governors had no option but to work with and support the President,” Ndegwa remarked.
Apart from Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his Nyeri counterpart Mutahi Kahiga, some of the other governors who seem to have withdrawn their support for the DP include Nyandarua's Francis Kimemia and Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria.
In the past, they would join the DP when he visited the region, moving as a team to lobby for development projects as they pledged their loyalty.
Mwangi wa Iria, for instance, was even being touted as a possible running mate for Ruto in 2022.
