Moses Kuria slams Gachagua after his allies dismiss offer to work together

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria/FILE

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has launched a fresh attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of poor leadership and surrounding himself with inexperienced advisers.

Kuria’s outburst came after Gachagua’s allies rejected his proposal for unity in the Mt. Kenya region, a gesture he said was conditional on the former Deputy President ceasing verbal attacks on women leaders.

“After my offer to work with our self-declared kingpin onthe condition he stops insulting women leaders, this is how his kitchen cabinet has responded to my offer for unity of our region,” Kuria wrote on X.

He went on to take a swipe at Gachagua’s inner circle, saying the former DP’s leadership style contrasts sharply with that of Kenya’s past leaders from the region.

“The problem with Rigathi Gachagua is that unlike Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta, he surrounds himself with neophytes and rookies. The bar has fallen too low,” Kuria stated.

Kuria was reacting to remarks by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa, a close ally of Gachagua, telling him off over his offer.

The Senator claimed that Kuria had been sent by President William Ruto to divide the people of Mt Kenya

“Moses Kuria, we have seen you. Riggy G (Rigathi Gachagua) is not one to be instructed. Ruto is the one to be given instructions,” Thang’wa said.

He went on to say that before Kuria even thinks of joining the Gachagua-led Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), he must first be accepted in his home county, which is Kiambu.

He said as Senator of Kiambu, Kuria must first go through him to get to the people.

The remarks signal escalating tensions between the two Mt. Kenya political heavyweights.

Kuria, who has previously served as Trade Cabinet Secretary and senior economic advisor to the President is known for his outspoken nature, has in recent weeks called for unity among Mt. Kenya leaders, urging them to focus on development rather than political wrangling.

On Saturday, Kuria called on Gachagua to exercise restraint and show respect when addressing fellow leaders and women from the Mt Kenya region.

In a statement responding to remarks Gachagua made during a rally in Embu on Saturday, Kuria praised Gachagua’s growing influence but urged him to uphold dignity in his public conduct.

“To my brother Rigathi Gachagua, I am an honest man. By now you know that. It is an undeniable fact that the majority of our Mt Kenya people listen to you,” said Kuria.

“You are ahead of the rest of us. You are edging closer to being our undisputed Kingpin in the Mountain.”

Kuria suggested he might consider working with Gachagua in future, saying, “In fact, just like Gideon Moi and William Ruto are working together, I might consider working with you very soon.”

However, he made what he termed as “one humble request.”

“Kindly refrain from insulting our leaders in general, our women leaders in particular and all Mt Kenya women by extension,” he said.

“Doesn't really sound commensurate with your undisputed kingpin status. Kindly sir. With profound respect!”

Gachagua had earlier claimed that some leaders were being bought to secure their loyalty and went on to make remarks deemed offensive.