Allies of President William Ruto have dismissed as baseless claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that crowds were mobilized during the President's recent development tour of the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking during a church service, Ruto's allies-led by his Personal Assistant Farouk Kibet-accused Gachagua of stoking ethnic tensions and undermining national unity.
"You want to lead the country, yet your utterances are tribal. How will you lead? Kenya needs a leader who respects all its people," said Farouk.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii echoed the sentiment, saying: "When I was in Kirinyaga, I saw massive crowds. Central Kenya loves the President. Some claim those crowds were paid for-how do you buy five million people?"
Kericho Senator and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot also criticized Gachagua: "The tribalist we removed from office had sold many lies to the people. You all saw it on TV-was the President welcomed or not?"
"We were his teachers, but now he's trying to use the tricks we taught him against us. We coached him on what to say-'go and say this'-to the point that even Uhuru Kenyatta avoided Mt Kenya," Cheruiyot added.
Gachagua had earlier claimed responsibility for the large turnouts during Ruto's Mt Kenya events, alleging that he had directed locals to receive handouts, attend rallies, and avoid violence.
His fallout with President Ruto ultimately led to his impeachment and the appointment of Interior CS Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President.
Since his ouster, Gachagua has launched a series of attacks against his former boss, particularly targeting Ruto's support in Mt Kenya.
