Political temperatures flared up in Laikipia after a section of Mt Kenya leaders clashed over Deputy President (DP) William Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.
Kieni MP Kanini Kega called on leaders from the region to cease politicking over 2022 General Election and instead focus on rolling out development in the grassroots.
Speaking during the burial of former long-serving KANU and TNA parties Laikipia branch chairman Christopher Maitho, Kega said only God will determine who will clinch the topmost seat after President Uhuru Kenyatta exits from power.
The MP called on Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mwangi Kiunjuri to support the President in channeling development countrywide and quell political temperatures in the region.
But in a quick rejoinder, Laikipia West MP Patrick Mariru castigated Kega, saying that DP Ruto also deserves to be respected and supported.
Mariru said President Kenyatta and DP Ruto have been championing unity and development agenda since they joined hands in 2013.
Deputy governors forum chairman John Mwaniki appealed to leaders in the region to set their differences aside and support the national government.
Agriculture CS Kiunjui, who had spoken earlier, said that there is need for unity in the region and the differences being witnessed should be dealt with soberly.
Kega distanced himself from accusations that he breached protocol on Tuesday when he presented President Kenyatta’s contribution of Sh500,000 during the burial of Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua’s mother.
He said the Head of State was justified to send his contribution to the family through him, maintaining that he did not breach any protocol by representing him while the DP was present in the same funeral.
Mr Maitho was buried at Kabanga village in Tigithi ward.
