Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo on Sunday, July 19, responded after reports surfaced indicating that he was set to join the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party led by Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.
A furious Kabogo sought to pour cold water on speculation that he had been selected to lead a campaign to revamp and popularise the party in the Mt Kenya region.
He maintained that he left the independence party in 2002 when Mwai Kibaki was elected President, describing those peddling the reports as stupid.
Speculation that Kabogo was set to team up with Gideon Moi was fuelled by a meeting of KANU officials from the Mt Kenya region held on Sunday, July 19.
"You people are stupid, why are you saying that I have joined KANU. I have been working all day, where did I find the time to join KANU?
"I left KANU in 2002 so you should stop spreading false information, it's stupid!" the former Governor maintained.
KANU Secretary-General Nick Salat was yet to respond to related queries by Kenyans.co.ke by the time of publication.
Kabogo has kept a low political profile since losing his 2017 re-election bid to Ferdinand Waititu who was eventually impeached over allegations of abuse of office and corruption.
He has kept mum on his plans in 2022 despite calls from his supporters for him to vie in the Kiambu Gubernatorial race or even a higher office including the Presidency.
KANU Mt Kenya Chairman John Mukirai had disclosed plans to rally leaders and citizens in Central Kenya to support KANU and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) fronted by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.
Before the BBI rallies were halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, both Kabogo and Gideon made their maiden appearances at the rallies during the Meru County edition on February 29.
Mukirai asserted that KANU was solidly behind President Kenyatta whom he described as the region's undisputed leader.
He noted that, going forward, the party planned to recruit members in the region with party leader Gideon Moi planning a stab at the Presidency in 2022.
Mukirai further emphasised that it would be easier to sell the party in Mt Kenya if the BBI resulted in adoption of the "One man, one vote, one shilling" principle.
He explained the principle would ensure equitable allocation of resources in the push for up to 50% of national revenue be allocated to the counties. This, they explained, is because the region plays a key role in generating the country's GDP.
The KANU leaders also supported the purge on allies of Deputy President William Ruto, stating that leaders needed to focus on development.
"We support our President when he takes action on leaders politicking instead of working for the people. He should appoint people who care about the people and will do their work," stated Ann Wangechi, KANU Co-ordinator in Kirinyaga County.
Watch Kabogo address the reports below:
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