Ruto Snubs DP Gachagua While Meeting Nyeri MPs At State House
The apparent political feud between President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua continued to play out on Wednesday, as the popularity war took a new turn.
In the absence of the second-in-command, the Head of State met with Members of Parliament at his deputy’s home in Nyeri.
The meeting between the Nyeri lawmakers and the President was held at State House in Nairobi.
The gathering painted a true picture of a simmering political standoff between the president and his deputy.
It was expected that due to the seniority of the Deputy President in the Nyeri region, his backyard, the meeting with the goal of discussing development issues around the area would at least have involved him.
According to State House sources, the meeting was held following the President’s invitation to discuss development projects and other issues.
Othaya's Mwai Kibaki Hospital, an annexe of Kenyatta National Hospital, will be gazetted as a parastatal with a board and an independent budget. This elevation will ensure the health facility is fully equipped to enable it play its rightful role in the provision of Universal… pic.twitter.com/pBBCa3G2IH
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 18, 2024
‘’Met Nyeri MPs, State House Nairobi, and discussed the government’s road, stadia, fresh produce markets and water programmes in the county,’’ Ruto shared after the meeting.
During the meeting, Ruto announced that Othaya Hospital in Nyeri, previously an annex of Kenyatta National Hospital, would be elevated to the status of a parastatal.
The elevation meant that the hospital would have a full board of management and a budget to run its operations.
‘’Othaya’s Mwai Kibaki Hospital, an annex of Kenyatta National Hospital, will be gazetted as a parastatal with a board and an independent budget,’’ Ruto stated in a statement.
“This elevation will ensure the health facility is fully equipped to enable it to play its rightful role in the provision of Universal Health Coverage that begins next month.”
Gachagua’s position in government has recently been hampered by perceived political differences, which have pitted him against his boss.
This follows the Deputy President’s extensive tour of the Mt Kenya region to rally support as the regional kingpin.
This move has sparked criticism from lawmakers close to President Ruto, who claim that the Deputy President is attempting to undermine his boss’ political influence in the region.
Gachagua allies have also responded, claiming that a plot to undermine their ally and remove him from government affairs was underway.
Ruto Snubs DP Gachagua While Meeting Nyeri MPs At State House
