Gachagua lashes out at Ruto, calls for Western unity

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking during the launch of new DAP- Kenya party headquarters in Karen, Nairobi on January 27th 2025. (Collins Oduor, Standard) Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is on a mission to undermine the gains President William Ruto has made from his countrywide tours. Yesterday, in an interview with three vernacular radio stations popular in Western Kenya, the impeached DP sought to downplay a five-day tour his former boss made to the region. In the interview, conducted at his home in Karen, Nairobi, Gachagua claimed that the Kenya Kwanza administration had disregarded the promises he made to the region, as outlined in a memorandum with the regional leaders. According to Gachagua, while the region secured the positions of Prime Cabinet Secretary and Speaker of the National Assembly, President Ruto had yet to fulfill the pledge of upgrading 1,000 kilometers of roads to bitumen standards. The former DP further claimed that Ruto had not yet established key sectors such as manufacturing, fisheries, and agro-processing nor completed the old projects outlined in the power-sharing agreement between ANC, Ford Kenya, and the UDA parties. Gachagua argued that the region's failure to unite and strengthen its bargaining power had left them vulnerable to ridicule, with the community now relegated to 'leftovers' despite being the second largest after the Agikuyu. "It's sad that a large community like the Mulembe Nation is settling for leftovers. Why should such a populous group rely on pity and generosity when it has the numbers to lead? Despite being the second largest community, the region has been bargaining for the national cake through third parties instead of coming to the national table directly," Gachagua said, referring to the region's past history of voting for Opposition leader Raila Odinga. Given leftovers Gachagua added, "The region has been divided; some votes went to Kenya Kwanza while others voted for Raila. But when the government is formed or when Raila joins government, the region is given 'leftovers' in terms of positions and the resources. The region is left to benefit from the pity and magnanimity of others." Presenting himself as "a very calculated political scientist," Gachagua urged the Western region to unite with Mt Kenya region, claiming that he would play a crucial role in forming the next government. "Where Gachagua and the people of Mt Kenya stand, that is where the winning team will be." He asserted that he had already consolidated support in Mt Kenya region and was working with other like minded leaders, including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, TransNzoia Governor George Natembeya, among others. He stated that a broad coalition was being formed to make President Ruto a one-term leader. According to the former Mathira MP, Western region must rethink its political strategy and adhere to Elijah Masinde's prophesy, which indicated the region should take leadership from the lake. Aware that his impeachment could impede him from vying for Presidency, Gachagua remained said that regardless of the outcome of the court proceedings he will be at the center of forming a new government. He maintained that he would participate in forming a listening government that will rescue pay-slips and scrap the controversial housing levy. He also revisited his impeachment and alleged that Ruto had offered him Sh2 billion to resign from his position as Deputy President in exchange for perks associated with the office. "The president offered me Sh2 billion to resign. On top of that, I would have security and the choice to run for any political office in the future, but I turned it down because I could not take advice from someone plotting evil against me," he said.

Gachagua lashes out at Ruto, calls for Western unity

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