Moses Kuria, Senior Advisor on President William Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisors, has praised Kithure Kindiki’s rise to the deputy presidency, claiming that his swearing-in signifies a new era for Kenya.
In remarks made to K24 TV at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday November 1, 2024, following Kindiki’s oath of office, Kuria emphasized that the event transcended the negative narrative stemming from Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
“Today, one narrative is going to dominate, the narrative of positivity. We came very close to losing it to the narrative of negativity,” Kuria stated, highlighting the significance of Kindiki’s appointment amidst recent political turbulence.
Kuria also articulated that Kindiki’s assumption of the second-highest office in the country signals a shift away from ethnic mobilization in politics, subtly critiquing Gachagua’s previous focus on representing the interests of ‘mrima’ (Mt. Kenya region).
“The message is clear to everybody – your region cannot be strong. This narrative, this backward, primitive narrative it has been overtaken by events and anybody who is thinking that they can mobilize their politics around ethnicity, around one region, around one tribe, what does it benefit you? And the Bible says to win the whole world and to lose yourself,” Kuria explained, underscoring the need for a broader, more inclusive political approach.
Message to Mt Kenya
In addressing the people of Mt Kenya, Moses Kuria emphasized a business-first approach to national unity, cautioning against any regional hostilities that could harm the community’s economic interests.
“People from my region for example we are business people and the rest of Kenya they are mostly our customers. It is only a foolish businessman who can fight with their customers. So we need to embrace everybody, work for our nation,” Kuria remarked.
The sentiment comes at a time when many in the Mt Kenya region are feeling aggrieved by Gachagua’s impeachment.
Kuria’s message serves as a reminder that fostering constructive relationships across the country could lead to significant benefits for the Mt Kenya region.
Kindiki’s swearing in
Kithure Kindiki was on Friday, November 1, 2024, sworn in as the new Deputy President, replacing Gachagua who was impeached by both the National Assembly and the Senate.
Gachagua faced 11 charges that ultimately led to his removal, making him the first deputy president to be impeached under Kenya’s 2010 constitution.
He was ultimately ousted by the Senate on five of the 11 charges brought against him.
The charges against Gachagua that were deemed problematic included remarks regarding the shareholding of Kenya, violations of the independence of the judiciary, breaches of his oath of office, and undermining the National Intelligence Service.
The Senate did not find Gachagua guilty of inciting remarks, disobeying the President, or involvement in economic crimes.
