- The governor termed the region a stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga's ODM party.
- Echesa told Kahiga to sort out any issues he may have with Malala rather than belittling the region's contribution to Kenya Kwanza's victory.
Image: RASHID ECHESA
A war of words has erupted in the ruling United Democratic Alliance party after Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga appeared to dismiss the contribution of Western Kenya in the 2022 presidential victory.
Former Cabinet secretary Rashid Echesa told off the governor, insisting that the total votes that the region harnessed for Kenya Kwanza were crucial in the alliance's election victory.
The governor termed the region a stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga's ODM party saying National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula's Ford Kenya has a foothol only in Bungoma County.
Kahiga claimed that the combined number of votes that Western delivered to Kenya Kwanza's victory basket was a paltry 600,000 as opposed to the massive votes that Mt Kenya and Rift Valley.
"Western, and this is a fact, belongs to two parties, Ford Kenya for Bungoma and ODM for the rest of Vihiga and Kakamega, the total combined was 600, 000 votes....while we thank them for the 600,000 votes they were only pouring into the six milion that we brought and the 1.5 million that came from Rift valley,'' he said in a video seen by the Star.
Ruto won the election with 7.1 million votes in the 2022 elections.
The governor went on to rubbish UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala saying he was directing people within the party yet he could not see the value his region brought to the election victory.
''I am very uncomfortable with people who never voted for William Ruto but who want to come and purport to direct who should vie. I have been saying that I am uncomfortable with UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala....I want to be told what votes he is bringing to the table."
Echesa who also hails from the Western region fired back at Kahiga, telling him to sort out any issues he may have with Malala rather than belittling the region's contribution to Kenya Kwanza's victory.
"You sound not to be in your senses by dismissing the 600,000 votes. Remember, we formed the government by a margin of 200,0000 votes. We all fought for this government, and we are contented with where we are," Echesa told Kahiga on his X account.
The politician reminds Kahiga that the Mt Kenya region has the biggest share of government based on its contribution to the presidential victory.
"From where I sit your community enjoys the lion's share, and we are not complaining since we understand the role your community played. So even with our small contribution in forming this government, please respect us," Echesa said.