This archive report was first published on 8 August 2020.
On August 8, 2020, Deputy President William Ruto convened a crucial meeting of Mt Kenya leaders in Limuru, a move aimed at regaining lost ground in the region. The meeting comes at a time when Ruto's allies are defecting to the Handshake team, and his image has been dented by the divisive Revenue Bill.
According to sources, Alice Wahome has been tasked with coordinating the women leaders' wing, while Kimani Ichungwa and Kithure Kindiki will lead the male colleagues. The meeting is expected to discuss the setbacks the Tangatanga camp has experienced in the last several months and put in place a mechanism to fight the growing opposition to Ruto.
Former CS Mwangi Kiunjuri is rumored to be among the invited guests. The Revenue Bill has been a major point of contention, with many MPs in the region feeling betrayed by Ruto's stance. The bill has also led to a significant loss of support for Ruto in Laikipia, where Laikipia Woman Rep Cate Waruguru has defected to the Handshake team.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's ruthless purge of Ruto's allies in the Senate and National Assembly has sent chills down the spines of Tangatanga leaders in the region. The meeting in Limuru is seen as a crucial step in Ruto's bid to regain lost ground and assure Mt Kenya of his full backing in the Revenue debate.
