Africa-Press – Kenya. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya has accused Deputy President William Ruto of dividing the Mt Kenya region and further claiming to be the region’s kingpin.
While addressing locals at a rally on Tuesday, October 12, the CS lamented that the DP had disrespected Central Kenya to a point where he openly declared to own the region.
Munya, a close ally of President Uhuru Kenyatta, added that Ruto was preaching unity in other areas but was keen on splitting Mt Kenya into factions and reportedly harboured ulterior motives for its people.
“There are people traversing this area claiming that they own it. They stand on the mountain and call it their own. How dare they do that? Let us respect each other. Even if we do not have anything to offer (a presidential candidate) but votes,” Munya wondered.
He further cautioned the electorate from aligning with Ruto’s brand of politics, arguing that he does not consult relevant leaders who ought to welcome him in Mt Kenya.
In June 2021, Munya claimed to be the region’s de facto spokesperson and Uhuru’s mouthpiece after reportedly being appointed by the President to chair development meetings in Central Kenya.
“I am the chairman of Cabinet secretaries and senior government officers from the region. When we meet to look into issues facing the region, I am the one who presents them to the President. During the Sagana meeting, all elected leaders were directed by the President to present their issues to me for action,” he announced.
Munya made his latest remarks in response to Ruto’s assertions that any other leader who wants votes from Mt Kenya must negotiate with him.
Ruto addressed a rally at Nyahururu DEB Primary School in Laikipia County on Saturday, October 9.
“There are people who have realised today there is a mountain and are now looking for it on Google Maps. They should know that I make the decisions here,” he stated in reference to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga who has been making inroads in the region to counter the DP’s influence.
“When they were away, I made several tours to the region, we built roads and initiated other development projects. I welcome them to the mountain but they ought to know that the area has its owners,” he added.
