Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on the people of Nyanza and supporters of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to refrain from viewing the people of Mt Kenya as adversaries.
Speaking during an interview on Monday night, Gachagua emphasized that there should be no conflict between the people of Nyanza and those from the Mt Kenya region.
He clarified that the people from Mt Kenya hold no personal animosity towards Raila Odinga or his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, but rather have disagreements with President William Ruto.
“I want to take this opportunity to tell supporters of Raila Odinga from Nyanza that they should not fight the mountain people because we are not their enemies at all. We have a problem with President William Ruto, not Raila Odinga or ODM,” Gachagua said on KTN.
Gachagua elaborated on the fallout between him and President Ruto, tracing it to ideological differences and personal grievances that came to a head after the 2022 general elections.
According to Gachagua, his impeachment as Deputy President by the Ruto-led administration stemmed from a combination of political maneuvers and betrayal within the political establishment.
He expressed frustration over what he described as unfair treatment and accusations, which led to the breakdown of their working relationship.
He also addressed the recent controversy surrounding the alleged celebrations of Raila’s defeat in the African Union Commission chairmanship poll.
Gachagua described this as a misrepresentation, asserting that it involved only a few women in Kirinyaga, and not the entire Mt Kenya region.
“Some people are blaming the people of Mt Kenya for the loss just because a few women in Kirinyaga celebrated his loss,” he explained.
Further, Gachagua expressed his willingness to collaborate with any leader, including Raila Odinga, who has the best interests of Kenya at heart, especially as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The former Deputy President has been actively engaging with leaders from the opposition, including Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper, Martha Karua of Narc Kenya, and various other political figures.
Lately, he has been hosting regular consultations with elected leaders, professionals, and politicians at his Wamunyoro residence, reinforcing his belief that the political alliance he is part of will lead the next government.
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