UDA leaders seek to intervene, end rift between Ruto, Gachagua

President William Ruuto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

A section of Rift Valley leaders plan to hold talks with the top UDA leadership to end political standoff.

Speaking in Nakuru after a meeting with UDA coordinators from across the country, former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri said they are worried that the party might split if the emerging divisions are not addressed.

Ngunjiri who addressed the media on behalf of the UDA coordinators said they are concerned about the cracks in the party.

He said as UDA representatives in the Rift Valley, they rallied the people behind President William Ruuto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and the two must continue working together.

“We have agreed that we need to see the Deputy President, have a talk with him and later meet the President. If whatever is happening is not addressed, there might be a serious disagreement and split in the party,” he said.

Ngunjiri warned that even UDA supporters might take sides if the divisions are not addressed.

“We have to agree and know how we are going to work as one, as Rift Valley we will lead, that's why all these coordinators are here,” he said.

Among the issues Ngunjiri and the team want to iron out is the decision to bar the DP from using a military chopper.

Ngunjiri further said that the President and his deputy must be respected as they are one. He called on party members to maintain peace.

The former MP urged young parliamentarians to stop disrespecting Gachagua.

On Saturday the DP hit out at individuals he said were close to the President and wanted to command him. He opened up on his frustrations saying that the President’s bloggers and personal assistants want to direct him on what to do.

"Some people who are close to the President also want to be my boss, simply because they are a friend to the President, even the President’s bloggers want to tell me what to do,” he said.

Gachagua said he only recognises two bosses-the people and the President.

He vowed not to allow people hanging around the President to think they can be his boss as he was elected by the people.

“I have two bosses, the people of Kenya will tell me what to do and President William Ruto is my boss. If you are a friend to the president keep your friendship and leave me,” he said.