KENYA : A night out for a Middle-Aged Man in Egoji, Meru County took a twist after he Pledged his Support for President William Ruto.
James Karithi, 38-year-old, had embarked on a drinking Spree with his friends, on Thursday, December 19, in the Festive Season Spirit, following his arrival into his home village from the City where he works and resides.
Speaking to JULISHA, Karithi narrated that the friends he was 'spoiling with his hard-earned cash, turned on him after he backed the head of state.
The revellers were watching the Evening News, when the news on President Ruto's recent Cabinet Changes Aired, Sparking a heated debate in the local bar.
The Bar Owner, Waiters and Most of the revellers including Karithi's Friends, Opined the President is gambling with Kenyans, reappointing and nominating same old faces.
They claimed that the inclusion of Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Allies and Hon. Raila Odinga Affiliated leaders into the National Government, was a mockery of the Kenyan Electorate.
Karithi however, Opined that President Ruto was right, arguing inclusivity is the only way for the head of state to appease Kenyans, ease increasing rebellion against his administration and fulfill his promises.
Additionally, Karithi Stated he fully trusts President William Ruto's ability to deliver on his pre-election promises, claiming that the results are already visibly, citing lower Fuel Costs.
This, angered his friend's and fellow revellers who turned on him with Blows and Kicks, before ejecting him out of the bar.
" Walinipiga kama Mwizi na Wakanifukuza kwa hio bar. Mwili Unauma lakini nimewasamehe." he said. Which loosely translates to 'They beat me like a thief and Kicked me out of the bar. My body aches but I have forgiven them'.
Upon our Reporter's inquiry on his Political affiliation after the incident, Karithi was cautious and refused to respond to this, claiming it was better he keeps his opinion to himself.
However, he urged Kenyans to be more accommodating of Different Perspective, stating everyone is entitled to an opinion.
President Ruto, is facing growing disdain from electorate in the vast Mt. Kenya region, which poses a significant challenge to his ambitious plan of hiving off a significant chunk of the region's vote block next election and this is pretty clear to him, after he was heckled in the Region last month.
The president joined other leaders in Embu on Saturday, November 16, to attend Bishop Peter Kimani's ordination to the Catholic Diocese of Embu. While underscoring the importance of the affordable housing programme and SHIF rollout, Ruto met the backlash of the citizenry one on one, which jeered at him in disapproval.
Since then, Uhuru and Ruto have been in secret talks. It is believed the president wants to use his predecessor to re-endear himself to the Mt Kenya electorate in the face of the growing disdain fueled by the impeachment of his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
What the President thought a classic move by replacing his deputy, Gachagua with Kithure Kindiki who's also from the region, does not seem to have helped cool resident's disdain for the Head of state.
In a fresh attempt to endear himself to the Mt Kenya region electorate, the President has nominated several leaders from the region to serve as Cabinet Secretaries.
The Leaders, affiliated to Former President Uhuru Kenyatta who have been nominated awaiting approval include Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, Former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui and Former Health Cs Mutahi Kagwe.
Whether the Nominations work in the President's favor or not, remains to be seen.
