MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto held a night meeting where they lay out certain demands to the DP should he succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta as president in 2022.
The meeting, held at Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua's residence in Karen, brought together 48 legislators from 11 counties. They MPs seemed keen to wipe out the perceived notion that Mt Kenya region was the President's backyard.
The MPs now want Ruto to share the plans he has for the region's economic development. The leaders claimed that the region's economic standing had been eroded and brought to its knees in the past five terms.
Among the economic demands fronted involved guaranteeing funds for traders, water projects, infrastructure and agricultural growth.
"We want our region to be guaranteed minimum returns under the Ruto presidency. All agricultural sectors are on their knees and we want him to tell us what he will do to resuscitate them," Gachagua stated.
Further, the MPs demanded top political seats should the Ruto camp form the next government. Among the positions floated include the Deputy President slot, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister slots - should the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) sail through, and other strategic positions.
Gachagua noted that once the economic plan and political slots are agreed upon, then they would lead DP's campaign from the front. He added that the DP should publicly agree to the economic plan of reviving the region before 2022, should he want the backing of the MPs.
Two committees were reportedly formed to further the agenda during the meeting. The first committee comprises Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, MP Gachagua, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa, Alice Wahome (Kandara), John Kinyua (Laikipia), Tharaka Nithi Women representative Beatrice Nkatha and her Kirinyaga counterpart Wangui Ngirichi, Faith Gitau (Nyandarua), and Nominated MP Cecily Mbarire.
The committee fronting the economic revival plans will be chaired by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. He will be aided by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, George Kariuki (Ndia) and John Muchiri (Manyatta).
The political scene continues to shape up as alliances and factions continue to be fronted in readiness for the 2022 elections.
This has seen the DP camp, Orange Democratic Movement and One Kenya Alliance express their interest in the top seat.
