Kiambu Governor James Nyoro has condemned DP William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza alliance over attacks he alleges were directed at President Kenyatta at a Thika meeting.
Nyoro said Ruto’s brigade totally disrespected Uhuru and undermined his office, which should be respected.
His sentiments came shortly after some Kiambu residents held demonstrations in Kiambu town, Thika, Kikuyu and Githurai on Monday.
Nyoro said that he was demanding an apology from the conveners where the DP allegedly made the remarks.
He further said that the agenda was not explicit but ended up as a forum for hurling insults at the President.
“I want to record my utter dismay at the blatant disregard for protocol and complete disrespect for the Head of State, the people of Kiambu and Kenya at large by politicians who addressed the meeting,” he said.
He said that while Kiambu has no problem with anyone coming to the county to recruit members and popularising their parties, that is not a license to abuse the President.
Those who attended include Kiambu governor aspirants: William Kabogo, Senator Kimani Wamatangi, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, and Thika MP Jungle Wainaina.
Others include Kiambu speaker Stephen Ndicho and former governor Ferdinand Waititu, among others.
Most of the leaders allegedly condemned the President for not showing ‘leadership’ and taking sides to support ODM leader Raila Odinga to succeed him.
Nyoro said that the leaders are trying to redeem themselves after the people rejected them over poor leadership, saying that he will not allow them to continue.
“They can’t tell us who is in a position to replace him (Uhuru) as the spokesman of the mountain," the county chief said.
"These people must be told that the people of the mountain are intelligent enough to choose their leaders and no amount of misplaced propaganda will sway them."
The governor urged leaders to instead talk about their development record and what they have done or intend to do for Kenyans if elected.
“Let’s seek votes in humility and not arrogance and empty swagger,” he said.
Meanwhile, the governor praised Uhuru, saying that over the last nine years, he has overseen a lot of development in the country and in Kiambu.
He said this was evidenced by new major roads projects, including the bypasses of sections of Mau Mau roads.
Others are Kikuyu, Thika, Limuru, Gathurai and Ruiru markets that have enabled people to trade in better environments for the first time since independence.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
