‘Do Not Start a War, Focus on Your Political Age Mates Like Ichungwa, I’m Your Senior,’ Kuria Warns Gachagua

A political confrontation has erupted between President William Ruto’s Senior Economic Adviser Moses Kuria and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with Kuria warning Gachagua against starting a political war he “cannot win.”

The exchange began when Gachagua, addressing supporters in Kangema, Murang’a County on Saturday, claimed that Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party was among several political outfits allegedly controlled by President Ruto, whom he referred to as “Kasongo.”

“Kasongo has planned to launch many parties, Moses Kuria’s party is his, that of Kiunjuri is also his, and that of William Kabogo. He is further planning to start two new parties here in Murang’a,” Gachagua told his supporters.

The remarks prompted a swift and stern response from Kuria, who took to social media to defend his party’s independence and remind Gachagua of their political history.

“I formed Chama Cha Kazi in August 2021. We have elected MCAs in several counties including Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyandarua and Embu,” Kuria stated, emphasizing that CCK is a legitimate national outfit with elected officials across multiple counties.

In his pointed rebuke, Kuria recalled how he had attempted to convince Gachagua before the 2022 elections that they should approach Ruto with their own political parties, similar to the strategy employed by Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula, Alfred Mutua, and Amason Kingi.

“You refused and on Live TV you called my party a briefcase party. You said we should trust William Ruto unconditionally,” Kuria wrote, suggesting that Gachagua had undermined him and other CCK candidates during that period.

The tension between the two Mt. Kenya leaders appears to stem from their differing approaches to regional politics, with Kuria accusing Gachagua of trying to “vandalize parties we have nurtured for 4 years when you were blindly in love with William Ruto.”

Kuria concluded his statement with a warning that has now become the talk of political circles: “Do not start a war you cannot win. Focus on your political age mates like Kimani Ichungwa. I am your political senior my friend. Respect your elders.”

The exchange shows growing divisions within the Mt. Kenya political landscape, where various leaders are positioning themselves ahead of future electoral contests.