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Ruto and I are one, says DP Gachagua

By Okumu Modachi | 6mos ago

**Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the UDA National Women Congress at Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi. October 13, 2023.** [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims that he has fallen out with President William Ruto.

He said that the views are held by individuals who do not mean well for the president’s administration.

He termed them wishful thoughts.

“There cannot be any division or conflict. That is a creation of people who are still living in denial,” said Gachagua.

DP said his relationship with the Head of State is solid and cannot be shaken by individuals of ill will.

Gachagua made the remarks on Friday at Bomas in Nairobi during United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Women Congress.

He said they are “joined together at the hip under bottom-up ideology.”

“We have been friends for over 20 years, it surpasses the presidency,” said Gachagua.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire affirmed that the government works collaboratively, telling off those speculating the existence of a disagreement in government.

Gender and Culture Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa urged members of the UDA party to stand firm behind the two leaders.

“Let us not succumb to opinions of people who want to get in between our leaders to separate them. The President and Gachagua are inseparable,” Jumwa said.

The congress that culminated in the launch of the ruling party’s Women League, reigned on 2/3 gender rule debate with calls for inclusion of women in various sectors.

The event took place as a precursor to the upcoming grassroot elections for the party that is scheduled to take place in December this year.

While addressing the congress, Gachagua said that the government is keen on implementing the 2/3 gender rule as envisaged by the 2010 constitution.

“Women are a strong pillar in the economic growth of the country and their interest must be taken in consideration. President Ruto and I are committed to implement the gender rule,” said the DP.

National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wa and Aaron Cheruiyot of the Senate also weighed in.

Ichungwa said the government is committed to addressing gender disparity, disclosing that the national dialogue committee has closed ranks on the issue of 2/3 gender rule.

“As the leader of the national dialogue committee, I want to confirm the issue of two-thirds gender rule is settled,” he said.

Cheruiyot claimed that women continue to face harassment and intimidations at legislative levels especially the nominated members, promising to push their interest at the legislative level.

During last year’s electioneering, UDA party rode on equity and inclusion as one of its agenda, an aspiration which the ruling party, though, is yet to bring to a reality.

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