Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Sunday, March 12, claimed that President William Ruto is surrounded by individuals who do not embrace unity.
Speaking after a church service in Roysambu, he claimed that while Ruto demonstrated a willingness to work with all Kenyans, his allies pushed him to maintain a hard stand when dealing with the opposition.
"However, there are other leaders who are trying to become hardliners, to tell the president not to reach out.
"Kenya Kwanza's politics and leadership is that of inclusion and I know that is what the President stands for despite being surrounded by people who are afraid of unity," he remarked.
While maintaining that nobody wants a handshake, the Governor declared that it was time to make the 'hard' decisions for the sake of Kenyans and the prosperity of the country.
"No one wants a handshake but you must acknowledge all leaders and hear what are their legitimate concerns. This country is bigger than any one person," Sakaja stated.
The county boss confirmed that he already received concerns from entrepreneurs in Nairobi over the mass action slated to be conducted in the capital city on March 20.
He promised them that there would be peace and stability during the period. Sakaja also warned leaders against plunging the country into a crisis.
"The economy is tough and the people are suffering. People's livelihoods are at stake and now that things are picking up, it is time for us to talk," the Governor remarked.
However, he sided with Ruto that the government needed more time to deliver some of the promises it made to Kenyans.
On March 12, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua reiterated his call to the Head of State not to enter into any handshake deal claiming that it ruined previous regimes.
Nonetheless, he maintained that the final decision lay with Ruto and that he would be vigilant to ensure that the Kenya Kwanza regime did not fail.
Sakaja's remarks came after months of a simmering fallout with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the governance of Nairobi County.
Gachagua told the former Senator to go slow on kicking matatus out of the Central Business District.
