A viral video featuring Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has emerged in which he claims to have been summoned back from Italy to thwart an alleged scheme by Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio la Umoja, to seek a handshake with President William Ruto.
In the video, DP Gachagua recounts his abrupt return from Italy, stating that his primary mission is to safeguard President Ruto from any perceived threats.
Speaking at what appeared to be a church event, he asserted, “They were trying to reach out to the President…The other day, I was overseas in Italy, they were trying to go through that route, and I was called back quickly. My job there is simple; To watch over William Ruto. I have no other job; That is my job.”
The Deputy President’s comments appeared to be a direct challenge to opposition leader Raila Odinga, suggesting an attempt to mend relations with President William Ruto.
DP Gachagua emphasised his role in the Dr. Ruto-led government, which, according to him, involves countering anyone with intentions to disrupt governance. He specifically mentioned Mr. Odinga, saying, “If I see anyone disrupting his government, that’s my job to fight against that person. And this Kitendawili man (Raila Odinga), he has had a bad history. Do you want me to welcome him closer to the President?”
During the video, the Deputy President also recalled a recent encounter with Odinga at the funeral of the freedom fighter MauMau, the late Dedan Kimathi’s wife, Mukami Kimathi.
Gachagua revealed that he had discussed Odinga’s history of causing political instability following electoral losses.
“He found me at the funeral the other day (in Nyandarua) and said, ‘Oh, why don’t you want us to have a dialogue? Are you afraid of it? Let’s talk.’ I responded and told him; I am not afraid of dialogue, the person I’m afraid of is you,” he recounted.
Gachagua further elaborated on Odinga’s past associations with former Presidents Daniel Arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, alleging that Odinga had caused disruptions during their presidencies. He expressed concerns that if Odinga got closer to President Ruto, similar problems might arise.
Amid national anticipation for a report on dialogue talks between the Kenya Kwanza Government and the Azimio la Umoja opposition coalition, critics have questioned Gachagua’s motives and whether he is apprehensive about a potential Handshake between President Ruto and Mr. Odinga.
Deputy President Gachagua clarified that his primary concern is not a Handshake but the stability of Dr. Ruto’s government. He stated, “I answered him (referring to Odinga during Mukami Kimathi’s burial) right there. Did I do the right thing or not?”
Gachagua is reportedly in the process of reconciling with former President Uhuru Kenyatta in an effort to put aside their political differences.
