UDA Secretary General: ‘No Co-Presidency or Regional Gatekeeper’- Omar Tells Gachagua’s Allies to Drop Entitlement Claims
President William Ruto’s UDA party’s interim Secretary General, Hassan Omar, has advised Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s supporters to abandon the notion of a co-presidency.
This warning comes amid concerns that some meetings with Mt Kenya leaders were conducted at State House without the Deputy President’s presence.
Addressing complaints from Gachagua’s key allies, Omar emphasized that the President will continue to engage with anyone seeking his audience, regardless of the public’s reaction.
Omar stated that there is no entitlement to a co-presidency or regional gatekeeper role, adding, “There is no co-presidency to grant any leader special status, nor is there a gatekeeper for any region or group of MPs.”
He did not specify if his comments reflected his personal views or the stance of the ruling party, which has Ruto as the national leader and Gachagua as the deputy party leader.
This comes as Gachagua’s supporters have expressed frustration over Ruto meeting Mt Kenya leaders without Gachagua and have called for more inclusive discussions involving all Mt Kenya leaders.
Omar insists that Gachagua’s allies must accept that the Deputy President is not the sole decider of whom the Head of State engages within Mt Kenya.
This comes in the wake of Gachagua’s recent ultimatum to Ruto’s Mt Kenya allies, warning them to align with his unity push or face political consequences in 2027.
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Gachagua’s warning has heightened regional tensions between Ruto and Gachagua’s loyalists.
At a wedding in Kiambu County on August 17, Gachagua warned that those opposing his Mt Kenya unity initiative could face electoral defeat in 2027. He emphasized the importance of listening to public sentiment and hinted at serious decisions already made.
With Ruto incorporating opposition leader Raila Odinga’s allies into a broad-based government, political lines are now sharply drawn, exacerbating tensions.
Gachagua’s supporters, including Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, have criticized the new cabinet formation and expressed disillusionment with what they perceive as betrayal and deceit. Kihara questioned the purpose of recent elections if they do not determine government and opposition roles.
Kihara also accused Ruto of sidelining Gachagua in meetings concerning Mt Kenya, fueling frustration among Gachagua’s supporters.
Political analyst Gasper Odhiambo commented that Mt Kenya suffers from a lack of a universally accepted leader capable of guiding voters effectively for the 2027 elections.
He suggested that Gachagua, who has voiced fears about the President’s intentions, may be strategizing to avoid political isolation.
Odhiambo noted that despite Gachagua’s growing regional popularity, he has yet to clearly outline his vision for a united Mt Kenya’s political future.
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Maragua MP Mary wa Maua described supporting Gachagua as an act of regional patriotism and criticized political maneuvers perceived as attempts to undermine unity.
Maua detailed incidents where Gachagua’s allies were summoned to State House and pressured into supporting the broad-based government, citing discomfort with such tactics.
Gachagua’s supporters, speaking anonymously, reported being advised by State House aides to avoid Gachagua’s functions, further aggravating political tensions.
Omar dismissed these complaints, affirming that President Ruto’s approach allows MPs to freely express their opinions and meet with him as they wish.
He stated that such meetings, including those held without Gachagua, are at the discretion of the convenors and are focused on development issues. Omar maintained that no one is prevented from meeting with MPs.
Gachagua’s aide, Wambugu Ngunjiri, did not respond to queries about Omar’s statements.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga criticized the arrogance and condescension in Ruto’s allies’ political strategies and expressed concerns about external forces destabilizing Mt Kenya.
Kahiga warned that the region has alternatives and called for mutual respect.
Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba warned that opposition to Gachagua could lead to increased trouble, asserting that Gachagua is key to the region’s political stability and any engagement must go through him.
Laikipia MP Mwangi Kiunjuri countered that Gachagua’s actions could create tribal divisions and isolate Mt Kenya politically.
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He advocated for unity that integrates the region with other areas and tribes, rather than fostering isolationism.
Kikuyu Council of Elders Chairman Wachira Kiago urged Mt Kenya leaders to focus on improving the region’s welfare, such as agricultural earnings and job creation, instead of engaging in divisive politics.
Kiago stressed the need for unity and cooperation to overcome development challenges and cautioned against plots that isolate some leaders.
UDA Secretary General: ‘No Co-Presidency or Regional Gatekeeper’- Omar Tells Gachagua’s Allies to Drop Entitlement Claims
