Mt Kenya Kingpin Row Escalates as CS Kuria Throws Fresh Jab at Gachagua

A photo collage of Public Service CS Moses Kuria (left) and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
A photo collage of Public Service CS Moses Kuria (left) and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
Kenyans.co.ke

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Friday took a swipe at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua even as reports continue to indicate that the two haven't been getting along over Mt Kenya leadership rivalry.

In a statement, Kuria renewed his attacks on the Deputy President, this time, using King Charles III's visit to the country as fodder to throw a jab at Gachagua.

“Sasa venye King amerudi kwao, fake Kingpins you can take over,” Kuria said.

This loosely translates to, “Now that King Charles has gone back home, fake Kingpins you can take over,” 

CS Kuria has on numerous occasions blamed the Deputy President for his woes.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua makes his remarks at the Kenya National Drama Festival State Concert at State House, Nairobi, on June 2, 2023.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua makes his remarks at the Kenya National Drama Festival State Concert at State House, Nairobi, on June 2, 2023.
Kenyans.co.ke

For instance, when he was reassigned to the Public Service Ministry from the lucrative Trade docket, CS Kuria sent out a cryptic statement pointing fingers at Gachagua for being removed from the influential post.

Another instance that highlighted the tiff between the two is when CS Kuria dismissed Kenyans who were complaining about the high prices of fuel.

CS Kuria had told Kenyans aggrieved by the high prices of fuel to dig their own wells instead of complaining every time.

He further warned Kenyans that the prices of fuel would increase by Ksh10 every month until February 2024, in a bid to drive the point home that the prices were beyond the government's control.

However, Gachagua who had just jetted back into the country at the time warned Kuria and Council of Economic Advisors Chairperson David Ndii over their remarks cautioning them against their condescending attitude and telling them not to speak arrogantly to Kenyans.

“The Government remains aware of and is sensitive to the challenges Kenyans are facing today; the arrogant statements by a few leaders do not, in any way, reflect the official government position or that of President William Ruto,” Gachagua stated. 

Similarly, in a bid to quell the tiff, Gachagua held a closed-door meeting with Kuria on September 26 at the DP's residence in Karen.

In a show of unity, Gachagua shared photos he took with Kuria. He, however, did not disclose what they talked about.

He indicated that the government was keen on using continuous engagement with Kenyans as they addressed their concerns.

"Continuous engagement is our mode of governance. This evening, in the company of my younger brother, Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, we had an engagement with businessmen from Kajiado County," Gachagua stated.

A photo of Public Service Moses Kuria.
Cabinet Secretary in charge of Public Service Moses Kuria addressing the press
Photo
Moses Kuria