Elders from Rift Valley and Mount Kenya Seek to Reconcile President Ruto and Deputy Gachagua

Elders from Rift Valley and Mount Kenya have embarked on efforts to reconcile President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

This initiative follows Gachagua’s public accusations against President Ruto’s allies, whom he claims are undermining him.

Despite these allegations, Gachagua has consistently maintained that there is no personal conflict between him and President Ruto.

However, the existing tensions are seen as a threat to the unity of their United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

While some argue that the discord between these two leaders threatens national unity, others believe it could benefit the country. The conflict may empower the opposition, preventing the uncritical passage of legislation that could oppress citizens in Parliament.

Currently, the government holds a significant majority in Parliament, which has led to the hasty approval of laws without considering their impact on the public.

Last year, Kenyans were shocked when Mount Kenya MPs admitted to passing the 2023 Finance Bill without reading it. They approved the bill, which faced significant opposition from Kenyans, simply to please President Ruto, disregarding the interests of their voters.

Mount Kenya MPs confessed to their oversight after facing intense backlash from local farmers, who complained about the high taxes imposed by the new law.

Now, MPs aligned with Gachagua have vowed to fiercely oppose some of the proposals in the 2024 Finance Bill, which they argue would burden Kenyans with heavy taxes.

The bill proposes higher taxes on essential items like bread and an annual tax on vehicle owners. If Gachagua’s allies join forces with the opposition to oppose the bill, it would provide significant relief to Kenyans.

The rivalry between President Ruto’s and Gachagua’s supporters is likened to a fight among insects, beneficial only to the onlooking birds.

When former President Uhuru Kenyatta fell out with his deputy, Dr. Ruto, after the 2017 election, the ruling Jubilee party had to seek opposition support to pass crucial bills.

Dr. Ruto managed to rally over 70 MPs to his side, making it difficult for the government to pass legislation in Parliament.

The opposition should collaborate with Gachagua to ensure that the bills passed in Parliament serve the public interest rather than the interests of a few in government.

Opposition MPs must not betray citizens by approving legislation that would harm them.