New plot to lock Ruto out

Operatives in Harambee House and others who ran President Uhuru Kenyatta's campaign are said to be holding meetings to counter Deputy President William Ruto's wave in Mt Kenya.

It is said that the operatives have brought on board some Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and heads of state corporations.

Their plan, according to those familiar with the plot, is to tame the influence of pro-Ruto MPs in the region while promoting the handshake between Uhuru and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

They are also supposed to counter the narrative that the President has lost the grip on the Mt Kenya region for not delivering development.

Sources within government say the group has been called for two meetings at a Nairobi Hotel on Thika Road. Phones are not allowed in the meeting.

During the first meeting in late May, participants were taken through the plan but most never attended the second session.

"Some felt like they were being talked down to and threatened to get deeply involved in politics," one source told the Star.