President Uhuru Kenyatta initiated a tactical plan ahead of the release of the much anticipated Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), largely seen as a move angling towards thwarting his deputy, William Ruto's influence in Mount Kenya.
According to a report by the Daily Nation on Thursday, November 14, Kenyatta called for a meeting with Mt Kenya leaders on Friday, November 15.
Jubilee Party in Mt Kenya faces division after the emergence of two factions Kieleweke and Tanga Tanga. Several leaders allied to DP Ruto, including Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro with his Kandara counterpart Alice Wahome have been at the forefront of castigating the president, questioning his leadership.
Moses Kuria, Gatundu South MP, previously called on Kenyatta to listen to the woes of the region, alleging that the head of state had abandoned his supporters. Kuria, a Jubilee Party member also formed his own party Transformational National Alliance Party. Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria also followed suit, registering his own party, Civic Renewal Party (CRP).
"He will meet regional leaders to make them understand the handshake and the BBI as he has been on the receiving end for long because of the two issues," an MP seeking anonymity informed the publication.
More reports have it that several region's political, religious and business leaders were invited. However, official communication is yet to be made and the venue too is yet to be unveiled.
However, sources close to the DP revealed venue and also alleged that Ruto will attend the meeting.
"All Mt Kenya leaders will attend a Mt Kenya Parliamentary Group meeting tomorrow (Friday, November 15, 2019) at Sagana Statelodge chaired by Kenyatta and Ruto. All other activities shelved," Peter Kamau, Inua Mama's communication official posted on Facebook.
Jubilee's Communication Director, Albert Mwemusi, while speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on phone, played coy with details of the meeting. However, he affirmed that the knowledge of the aforementioned meeting.
"The meeting may be there but I don't think its a PG meeting," Mwemusi stated.
On Sunday, November 10, both Kenyatta and Ruto cancelled their planned tours of the region. The two leaders were to attend to separate functions in Murang'a and Kandara respectively.
The meeting is also expected to calm down the rivalry between Orange Democratic Movement leader, Raila Odinga and DP Ruto that escalated after the famous March 2018 handshake. The BBI has been a bone of contention as it has also divided Cabinet Secretaries from the region.
Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri harshly tore into BBI, with reports alleging that he is out to enhance his reputation as Kenyatta's successor through his antics. The succession politics pits him against Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Trade CS Peter Munya, and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi who analysts view as potential successors.
