Kenya's Papers, March 18: Gachgua Accuses Ruto of Plotting to Replace Officials With Raila’s Allies – International Edition (English)
On Tuesday, March 18, the regional papers addressed various issues, such as ex-deputy president Rigathi Gachgua’s ongoing criticism of President William Ruto.
In other areas, newspapers reported on the changeover in Meru county, where the ex-governor’s second-in-command took an oath of office to become the new county leader.
1. People Daily
The newspaper highlighted fresh accusations made by ex-deputy president Rigathi Gachigua against President William Ruto, who was alleged to be planning extensive dismissals of Principal Secretaries linked to Mount Kenya.
While appearing on a vernacular radio show, Gachgua revealed that the president intended to dismiss the Permanent Secretaries from Mt Kenya region and appoint Raila Odinga's associates in their place.
He stated that Raila requested approximately 15 Permanent Secretaries according to their updated agreement, whereas Ruto proposed offering only 10.
Gachauga stated that Raila's supporters will be revealed shortly to assume their new roles, with the current officeholders being asked to leave.
The ex-Mathira Member of Parliament stated that Ruto avoided attending church over the most recent weekend to orchestrate a fresh Cabinet restructuring at his personal home in Narok County.
Gachauga additionally stated that following his victory in the 2022 election, Ruto initiated an effort to marginalize officials associated with the Mt Kenya region.
He remembered Ruto intentionally assigning him tasks overseas and, while he was away, dismissing government officials from the Mt Kenya region.
"When I was serving in the government, he used to dispatch me to international events for roughly 10 days. By the time I came back, he had already dismissed government employees from the region. I would object, but it was always too late since he had accomplished his objective," Gachagua stated.
"I secured negotiations for 15 PSS positions, and I begged him to keep some intact, yet he insisted that all the Uhuru supporters should be released; we would introduce fresh individuals instead. The newly appointed PSS members aligned with his desires, however, upon announcing their names, he altered the roster. He reinstated every single Kalenjin PSS who previously worked under Uhuru. When I confronted him about this change, he responded by saying that if I wished to select the PSs myself, then I ought to run for president and have my pick of anyone," he concluded.
Ruto and Raila have consistently upheld their agreement, asserting that it benefits the nation as a whole.