Kericho governor, deputy reconcile after Gachagua intervention

By Peter Ochieng

An ultimatum by Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has seemingly 'worked a miracle' in Kericho county.

Last week, the DP warned Kericho county governor Eric Mutai and his deputy Fred Kirui against endless wrangling.

The second in command said the two leaders risked being removed from office, if they continue senseless fights instead of serving the people.

And on Monday, the two leaders elected on president William Ruto's United Democtratic Alliance (UDA) party met and buried the hatchet.

They pledged to stop engaging in war of words, which had seen county's activities almost grinding to a halt.

Governor Mutai said their focus now is to serve the people of Kericho county.

"Never again shall we engage in a war of words at a time when we are supposed to serve the county residents." DG Kirui echoed his words.

"We have wasted valuable time since the last general election. The county residents gave us the mandate to lead you but for the last year it has been a time of name-calling among our supporters over our political differences," he said.

Last Friday, Gachagua reminded the two leaders that president Ruto is respected globally while leaders in his political bedrock were wrangling endlessly.

"You must work together the way you campaigned together If you won’t be able and continue fighting you will be removed from office by the people. I will tell the people of Kericho that they made a mistake. We have a responsibility to work for the people of Kericho, the people cannot benefit when there are wrangles between the governor and his deputy,” warned the DP.

“The President recently had a meeting in Nairobi attended by 25 heads of states and they chose to have him as their representative. He is respected in the continent and globally and he will be heading to New York to address UN General Assembly and later at COP28 UAE in Dubai to speak on behalf of Africa. But at his home background in Kericho the leaders are fighting. I won’t allow it to happen. During election you campaigned together, why fight now after winning the seat? You must work together."

Ruto and Gachagua are expected to lead Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kericho county on 20th October, 2023.