Ruto hardliners in limbo after the president reached out to Raila
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Ruto hardliners including DP Gachagua, Ichung'wah in limbo, after the president reached out to Raila for a peace deal
Ruto hardliners including DP Gachagua, Ichung’wah in limbo, after the president reached out to Raila for a peace deal.
A section of Kenya Kwanza leaders who had taken a hard stance were left at crossroads following President William Ruto’s decision to engage Azimio la Umoja through a bi-partisan approach.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and a host of Kenya Kwanza leaders were playing hard to engage with the opposition.
Political analysts opine that Gachagua, Ichung’wah, and other hardliners are now starring in a political dilemma following their sustained attacks on Raila Odinga and Azimio la Umoja leaders, including President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta.
The hardliners are said to have ridden on attacking Uhuru to be politically relevant, especially on and after the August 9 General Elections. The sustained attacks were reportedly perceived to assure President William Ruto of their loyalty.
On Monday, April 2, political scientist, Mutahi Ngunyi, argued that Uhuru brokered the deal between Ruto and Raila, but warned that hardliners would affect any progress made, should they be allowed to be part of the negotiating team.
“Bravo President William Ruto. What you did today by climbing down was statesmanship. Babaman (Raila) responded by climbing down too. Whatever you do hereafter, keep Gachagua out of it. And I believe Uhuru Kenyatta brokered this deal,” Ngunyi stated, in reference to the row between Gachagua and Uhuru.
The business community led by Central Rift Matatu Owners chair, Stephen Muli, also demanded hardliners be left out, indicating that their stances affected traders in the country.
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“There has not been serious protests in Nakuru but we have felt the impact. Nairobi is the gateway to other parts of the country, and when unstable, everyone else feels the pinch,” stated.
Meanwhile, Kikuyu MP, Kimani Ichungw’ah has maintained that Kenya Kwanza remained intact despite claims that hardliners should be sidelined in the bi-partisan talks.
Moreover, Ichung’wah argued that Raila and Ruto did not personally meet to strike a bipartisan deal.
“I can confirm that Ruto has not met with Raila Odinga. He has not even spoken with Raila, leave alone the handshake. It has absolutely nothing to do with a handshake. I can see that some quarters are very happy with a handshake,” he clarified.
Also read,
USA Chris Coons reveals intrigues behind convincing Ruto, and Raila to a peace deal
Revealed! Ruto and Raila were in secret talks before the truce
Who brokered the deal between President Ruto and Raila Odinga
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