Limuru III meeting exposes Kuria, Gachagua 'rivalry'

Left: Public Service CS Moses Kuria and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (right). [File, Standard]

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has dismissed claims that the highly anticipated Limuru III meeting will address the deep-rooted issues of the Mount Kenya region.

Speaking to Citizen TV on Thursday night, Kuria averred that the region holds senior positions in the current government.

He argued that it is disingenuous to use such a meeting to air grievances instead of resolving them.

"I believe in one man, one vote, one shilling. As a minister, alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, Finance Committee Chairman Kimani Kuria, and Budget Committee Chairman Ndidi Nyoro-all from the mountain region-we have the power now. What are we going to ask Wanjiku to do? Who are we asking to solve these problems? It is hypocritical," Kuria remarked.

Deputy President Gachagua is among the region's leaders advocating for the national revenue to be shared based on population, a move that could significantly benefit the densely populated region.

CS Kuria who warned against labeling community meetings like Limuru III as tribal gatherings, accused an unnamed leader with 'prior experience in provincial administration' of orchestrating his exclusion from the event, a remark perceived as a veiled reference to DP Gachagua.

"Someone is sponsoring Limuru III for their own reasons. Limuru has always been for the good of the nation. From the bottom of my heart, I intended to support Limuru III. I would have wanted to go and inform Limuru about our economic status," Kuria said.

He also criticized the DP for suggesting that all Mt Kenya-related issues should be reported to him as the region's senior-most leader in government.

"I don't agree with him because we were elected by the people to solve their issues. If Martha Karua or Jeremiah Kioni call, I will go. They don't have to come to me. The problems of this country have no forwarding address," Kuria responded.

Friday's Limuru III meeting has been convened by predominantly opposition-leaning politicians from the area, including Karua, Kioni, and former Laikipia Governor Nderitu Mureithi, to discuss the region's economic and political well-being.