Senate Majority Chief Whip Irungu Kang'ata has spoken out on his fallout with Deputy President William Ruto, revealing how an incident at the wedding of the daughter of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu made him switch allegiance to president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Waititu's daughter Monica Njeri married Herman Nyotu Gitau, in July 2019 at PCEA Evergreen Church in Runda.
Speaking with Inooro FM, on Wednesday morning, June 3, Kang'ata who was a close ally of Ruto, alleged that the DP approached him at the event, asking him to disobey Kenyatta's directives on early campaigns.
Kang'ata claimed that Ruto asked him to champion for his presidential campaign rather than fearing and pulling back after Kenyatta warned Jubilee leaders.
"I openly told him I can't contradict my President. Uhuru is Mt Kenya's political kingpin and as a leader from the area.
"It is my duty to support him until he completes his term. I hope he (Ruto) understood," Kang'ata disclosed adding that he confronted Ruto and argued that he (DP) was inciting him against Kenyatta.
In the interview, the Senator for Murang'a, stated that he knew such an act was tantamount to betrayal.
Kang'ata was installed as the Senate Majority Chief Whip, replacing Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika on Monday, May 11, following a controversial Parliamentary Group meeting at State House.
In the meeting, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen was also ejected as Senate Majority Leader. He was replaced West Pokot Senator Samuel Phoghisio. Kang'ata spoke on the changes and defended Kenyatta against Murkomen's criticism.
"Murkomen tweeted saying Parliament is dead yet he was the Majority Leader. He also opposed Uhuru's efforts to streamline services in Nairobi county by claiming he was installing military rule. How could Uhuru work with someone like him?" Kang'ata wondered.
