In a surprising turn of events, Trade Secretary Moses Kuria issued a bold warning to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, vowing to personally defend President William Ruto from any form of attack, be it political or physical. Kuria, known for his outspoken nature, declared that it was crucial for all Kenyans, including Uhuru, to respect Ruto's position as the rightfully elected President.
"Mr Uhuru Kenyatta must respect President William Ruto and accept the mandate given to him by the people. This country is greater than Uhuru and his personal interests," Kuria asserted, his words carrying the weight of determination.
"I will personally defend and safeguard this government, just as I did for my fellow constituency mate when he held the presidential office. The Mt Kenya region holds a significant stake in this government and we will not tolerate any nonsense anymore," he added, highlighting the importance of their region's contribution to the nation.
Kuria's resolute declaration came at a time when the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which Ruto leads, accused Uhuru of orchestrating the recent Saba Saba anti-government protests that resulted in six fatalities and numerous injuries. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a prominent figure in the opposition, initiated a campaign to collect ten million signatures aimed at delegitimizing Ruto's government.
On the same day, Kuria insinuated that the signature drive was a ploy by Uhuru to keep Raila preoccupied and away from street demonstrations. "I find this 10 Million signatures campaign intriguing. It seems to be Uhuru's strategy to keep Raila occupied and away from the streets," he expressed, hinting at a possible political maneuver.
Other leaders aligned with President Ruto also accused Uhuru of presiding over a meeting with Azimio legislators on July 6, during which they allegedly formulated strategies to disrupt government activities. Dennis Itumbi, a vocal supporter of Ruto, claimed that the meeting's main agenda was to gather the 10 million signatures to unseat the Head of State.
"After an early morning meeting between Former President Uhuru and Raila Odinga at Raila's Kerarapon home, a secret emergency meeting was held by the Azimio group. The meeting resolved that instead of street protests in Nairobi, they would gather at Kamukunji grounds to launch the website and begin the public collection of signatures," Itumbi disclosed, shedding light on the alleged deliberations.
Raila, however, maintained that the protests were conducted nationwide with the aim of pressuring Ruto to address the rising cost of living, reduce fuel prices, and ensure transparency in the recruitment of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners.
Kuria and Uhuru, both originating from Gatundu South Constituency, once enjoyed a close relationship during Uhuru's initial term as President. However, their ties grew distant in his second term when Kuria shifted his allegiance to Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) camp, causing a noticeable divide.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Moses Kuria's stern warning to Uhuru Kenyatta amplifies the growing tension within Kenya's political sphere. The nation watches with bated breath as the dynamics between these influential figures unfold, wondering what consequences this clash of loyalties may bring.