- Kuria highlighted the discerning approach of the Kikuyu people in carefully assessing their leaders, emphasizing that there is no need for contention over the kingpin title.
The question of who holds the title of kingpin in the Mount Kenya region has sparked a heated debate between Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Addressing a congregation in Kiambu, Kuria clarified that the region does not have a singular political figurehead and emphasized that elected leaders should be considered the de facto leaders of their respective areas.
During his speech, Kuria firmly stated that Gachagua does not hold the status of a kingpin based on seniority in government. He pointed out that many individuals in the region did not vote for Gachagua but instead supported other candidates in previous elections.
"Seniority in government doesn't grant him (Gachagua) the status of a kingpin," he said.
Kuria highlighted the discerning approach of the Kikuyu people in carefully assessing their leaders, emphasizing that there is no need for contention over the kingpin title.
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Kuria also criticized Gachagua for his "shareholder" remarks, stating that as the Public Service Cabinet Secretary, he oversees several parastatals, none of which are headed by Kikuyus.
However, Kuria clarified that this does not concern him, as the government's objective is to ensure economic stability and empowerment for all Kenyans, regardless of their region or ethnicity.
"Every Kenyan deserves empowerment. The government aims to ensure that all regions contribute to economic stability," he added.
Despite their differences, Kuria acknowledged Gachagua as his superior and expressed his accountability to him.
He recounted their collaboration on road projects in the Mathira constituency, highlighting their past working relationship when Kuria held a higher position than Gachagua in the National Assembly.
In response to the kingpin debate, DP Gachagua expressed his lack of interest in the position, stating that he had carefully studied the Constitution and found no provision for such a role.
He questioned a kingpin's official responsibilities and associated salary, affirming that he is the Deputy President and has duties based in Harambee House and Karen. Gachagua encouraged individuals interested in the position to pursue it.
“I have carefully studied the Constitution, and there's no provision for a kingpin. Where is the official role of a kingpin? What's the salary associated with it?" DP Gachagua questioned.
He stated, "If individuals aspire to hold that position, I'm not among them. I am the Deputy President. My official duties are based in Harambee House and Karen, and I have responsibilities and a salary. If there are individuals interested in that position, they should pursue it."
