UDA Divided: Ruto’s Long-Serving Personal Assistant Calls For Unity Amid Gachagua’s Political Struggles
In the face of growing political tension and calls for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment, President William Ruto’s close confidant, Farouk Kibet, has made a public appeal for national unity.
Kibet’s remarks come as Gachagua finds himself at the center of a heated political storm, accused by critics of promoting ethnic divisions and failing to embody the qualities of a national leader.
Speaking during a public event at Chepsaita Primary School in Uasin Gishu County on Friday, Kibet, a long-time personal assistant to President Ruto, expressed his concerns over the rising tribalism in the country.
Without directly naming Gachagua, he took a subtle dig at politicians who retreat into their tribal strongholds whenever they encounter political challenges, a comment many interpreted as aimed at the beleaguered Deputy President.
“All of us should live in harmony like Kenyans. There are some of us who are encouraging ethnic divisions. I kindly plead that we as Kenyans should prioritize living in peace. Polarizing the nation along ethnic lines is steering the country toward the wrong direction,” Kibet said during his address.
Kibet’s call for unity comes at a time when Gachagua is facing the threat of impeachment, with political adversaries accusing him of fostering ethnic politics and prioritizing the interests of his Mt. Kenya base over the nation.
Critics argue that Gachagua’s approach undermines his role as Deputy President, a position that requires him to represent the entire country.
In response to the mounting pressure, Gachagua has remained defiant, insisting that he will continue to advocate for the interests of the Mt. Kenya region unapologetically.
During a recent rally at Wakulima Market in Nairobi, Gachagua addressed the crowd in Kikuyu, defending his use of the language by arguing that effective communication lies in being understood by one’s audience.
“Communication is not what you say, it’s being understood,” Gachagua stated during a 20 September interview with Citizen TV. “You talk to people in a language that they understand better.”
Despite these defenses, Gachagua’s actions have only further fueled his critics, who argue that his reliance on ethnic identity politics is detrimental to national cohesion. Some political observers have even accused him of challenging President Ruto’s authority, as Gachagua’s recent comments suggest friction between the two leaders.
In particular, Gachagua has urged Ruto to “be a gentleman” and allow them to complete their political journey together, referring to their election as a joint ticket in 2022. His remarks have sparked concern within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, as internal divisions threaten the stability of the ruling coalition.
The UDA is scheduled to hold a crucial Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting at State House next week, where the future of Gachagua’s political career will be a key agenda item. The outcome of the meeting could determine whether the Deputy President will continue to serve alongside Ruto or face impeachment proceedings.
As the political drama unfolds, Farouk Kibet’s call for unity highlights the urgent need for leaders to rise above ethnic divisions and work toward the greater good of the country.
Whether Gachagua will heed this advice remains to be seen, but the stakes have never been higher for the Deputy President as he navigates the most challenging period of his political career.
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UDA Divided: Ruto’s Long-Serving Personal Assistant Calls For Unity Amid Gachagua’s Political Struggles
