Sudi hits back at DP over claims of political interference in Mt Kenya

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi speaks at  AIC Kipkorgot in Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu county, when he presided over a fundraiser on May 26, 2024. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

A day after Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua accused some politicians from Rift Valley in President William Ruto's inner circle of fueling discord in Mount Kenya region, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has hit back.

Speaking during a funds drive at AIC Kipkorgot in Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu county, on Sunday, Sudi said leaders who feel threatened by him should keep off.

"I am only following in the footsteps of President Ruto. I am his student. That is why you will see me moving around, flying around and raising funds for various churches. Everyone is free to go wherever they want," he said, claiming that some leaders are threatened by his boldness and generosity.

"Find someone else to threaten. I am past threats. And using the ethnicity card will not work against me. I know where I come from and I am ready to work with those interested in working with me."

He vowed not to be intimidated by leaders questioning his actions.

"Yesterday, I saw leaders gathered in Kesses speaking against me saying that I should not travel to other constituencies when they themselves were visitors in another jurisdiction. I have come from far and people should not question how I spend my money," he said.

Sudi asked leaders to join hands and serve the people instead of seeking sympathy from the public.

"We are always working as a team when seeking votes, but after that, you begin dividing people on the basis of their tribes or sub-tribes," said the MP.

He urged the top leadership to support young politicians. "Top leaders should be in the forefront uniting us and mentoring us and not feel threatened by young leaders. The President is an independent thinker and associating some leaders with him is wrong," he said.

He said he works closely with the President because when he (Ruto) needed someone to hold his hand when he was facing discrimination from the Uhuru administration, all those criticizing him today were nowhere to be seen.

The MP declared that he was not interested in any position and would make his ambitions public should the situation change.

 Leaders who accompanied Sudi assured him of support saying he has been working with other leaders and traversing constituencies to aid development projects.

Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo asked leaders to unite and work together for the common good of the people.

"There is no mistake Sudi has made. We are colleagues but Sudi has proved to be faster than all of us. I ask you Sudi not to be threatened," said Kimaiyo.

He claimed that unnamed political leaders feel threatened by youthful politicians instead of supporting them.

Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga vowed to support leaders interested in boosting development projects and church fundraisers in their regions.

David Samoei, President Ruto's younger brother asked leaders to work for Kenyans and support the President in delivering Kenya Kwanza agenda.

"I request our leaders to support our president in fulfilling his agenda to Kenyans. People elected you and expect service delivery, anything else is a sideshow," said Samoei.

Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor John Barorot called on Kenya Kwanza leaders to unite and shun divisive politics.

On Saturday, Gachagua at a function in Uasin Gishu, claimed that some politicians from Rift Valley in President Ruto's inner circle were causing a political rift in Mt Kenya region.

The DP said his Mt Kenya backyard is well organized and honest in support of President Ruto and urged the said politicians from Rift Valley not to cause political conflict on the mountain.

But Sudi said that people have been inviting him to harambees, which he has been willingly attending.

The MP spoke, as the DP was attending a church function in Matharu, Kesses, before launching an Economic Stimulus Project (ESP) market and later addressed residents at Burnt Forest accompanied by a host of leaders including Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Senator Jackson Mandago, Women Rep Gladys Shollei and Kesses MP Julius Rutto.

Gachagua steered off the perceived rift between him and President Ruto.

He said he was working with President Ruto to deliver the Kenya Kwanza government agenda.

“We are united and will deliver services to Kenyans. The president has assigned me duties and I will deliver,” said Gachagua who thanked residents of Matharu for voting for Kenya Kwanza administration.

“This is a cosmopolitan area and we should embrace unity for development. Those who were in Azimio spread propaganda, and lies and instilled fear during the last campaigns. Residents are now reaping benefits of Kenya Kwanza government,” said Gachagua, who added that propagandists were now ashamed.

During the interdenominational service at Matharu, the DP said Kenya Kwanza’s performance record was changing the narrative. “The truth can be seen and those who peddled lies against Ruto’s presidential candidacy are now ashamed of themselves,” he said.

Leaders who accompanied Gachagua included former Laikipia Woman Rep Cate Waruruguru, MPs Jane Kihara (Naivasha MP), Karemba Muchangi (Runyenjes), Joseph Wainaina (Nominated), Nguro Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), Joseph Cherorot (Kipkelion East).

The DP has been in Uasin Gishu County since Friday.

On Saturday, Gachagua asked leaders to focus on service delivery within their jurisdictions saying it was too early to set the country in a campaign mood.

He said some MPs were interfering with the affairs of their colleagues in a bid to gain political mileage in apparent reference to Sudi who has in the recent past had differences with Kesses MP Julius Rutto.