Jeremiah Kioni, the former Member of Parliament and former Jubilee Party Secretary General, has rejected the notion that President William Ruto still wields influence in the Mt Kenya region.
Kioni, who actively campaigned for Azimio la Umoja and its leader Raila Odinga in the 2022 election, expressed the sentiment that people are prepared and eager for guidance, having shifted away from the “Kenya Kwanza” movement, even if they haven’t fully embraced “Azimio” yet.
During his statement on Wednesday, Kioni highlighted that Ruto lost control of the politically significant Mt. Kenya region when he initiated criticism against former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta.
According to Kioni, the past year marked a series of setbacks, and he suggested that the political strategy of sowing discord within the region against Uhuru had repercussions that ultimately worked against them.
“Last year was a year of losses, the Kenyan kwanza seeds they planted by instigating the region against Uhuru came back to haunt them,” Kioni said.
“People are ready and waiting for a signal where to go because they have already moved out of Kenya Kwanza even though they have not yet gone to Azimio,” Kioni added.
Additionally, the former legislator contended that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent attempt to seek reconciliation with Uhuru Kenyatta comes at a point where it is no longer timely for the government.
He believes that the government is currently engaged in a struggle to promote unity among Kenyans. Kioni also expressed doubt that Uhuru Kenyatta would be receptive to Gachagua’s offer of reconciliation, suggesting that it may not be accepted.
Kioni expressed his perspective by stating, “I’ve heard Gachagua express his desire to engage in dialogue with Uhuru, but Uhuru doesn’t see the need for such discussions. He has already served as Kenya’s leader, completed his term, and stepped down. Once you’ve secured your position, irrespective of the means, it’s your responsibility to lead in your unique way.”
Jeremiah Kioni continued his candid critique, remarking, “You’ve displayed disrespect towards people since 2017, sowing seeds of animosity. You were embroiled in controversies, such as the alleged sheep theft at Northlands. And now, you seek dialogue with Uhuru?”