How Gachagua Made U-Turn, Became Raila’s Cheerleader
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent praise of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga marks a significant shift from his earlier stance, where he consistently portrayed Raila as a detriment to Kenya’s political and economic progress.
Previously, Gachagua had labeled Raila as a politician with regressive ideas, allegedly hindering the nation’s advancement. He had even claimed to have set traps to prevent Raila from entering State House, arguing that his past government involvement was catastrophic.
However, Gachagua recently revealed that he had removed these traps, noticing President Ruto’s determination to reconcile with Raila.
Gachagua asserted that his traps were so effective that the first meeting between Ruto and Raila occurred in Uganda, far from State House.
Gachagua also mentioned that he and Ruto had agreed to prevent Raila from joining the government through the backdoor and that he regularly checked these traps.
Despite former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s criticism of Raila, Gachagua noted that they eventually collaborated, drawing a parallel to the current situation with Ruto.
Gachagua used this analogy to highlight that President Ruto’s decision to work with Raila was influenced by past experiences.
Gachagua had previously opposed Raila’s involvement with the Kenya Kwanza government and criticized the National Dialogue Committee talks, viewing them as Raila’s ploy to gain influence within the government.
However, on Tuesday, Gachagua made a notable U-turn, lauding Raila as Kenya’s finest statesman during a state event where the former prime minister was unveiled as Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson.
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Gachagua praised Raila’s commitment to pan-Africanism, emphasizing that his passion knows no bounds.
During the ceremony, attended by several heads of state, Gachagua clarified that his differences with Raila were purely political and not personal.
Gachagua expressed his full support for Raila’s candidacy for the African Union Commission chairperson, asserting that all Kenyans, across political divides, are backing Raila.
Continuing this positive tone, Gachagua praised Raila during President Ruto’s tour of Luo Nyanza, Raila’s stronghold.
Gachagua acknowledged the warm reception and attributed it to his newfound partnership with Raila, noting that loyalty to Raila is key to winning support in Nyanza.
Gachagua continued to commend Raila, describing him as a statesman and nationalist with an impressive track record.
Despite his past criticisms, Gachagua was warmly received by residents of Luo Nyanza, who welcomed the country’s top leadership.
Luo Nyanza leaders spoke positively about the Ruto-Raila partnership and hinted that they would support Gachagua if he stood by Ruto in 2027.
During a thanksgiving service for Treasury CS John Mbadi, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed teased Gachagua about his strong focus on the Mount Kenya region, urging him to broaden his perspective.
Junet sarcastically suggested that Gachagua adopt some hills in Homa Bay County, implying that the DP should look beyond Mount Kenya.
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In response, Gachagua acknowledged the jest and expressed his willingness to unite the mountain with other regions across the country.
Gachagua declared his readiness to work with all Kenyans and unite the country by collaborating with different regions.
Gachagua has faced criticism for his strong support of the Mount Kenya region, with some leaders viewing his narrative as divisive.
After the 2022 general elections, Gachagua harshly criticized Raila’s anti-government protests, even labeling him an enemy.
Gachagua warned those involved in violence during the protests, emphasizing that the law would be enforced.
Gachagua described Raila’s leadership of the protests as a form of post-election violence, which he vowed to crush.
During the standoff between Raila’s Azimio coalition and the government, Gachagua was known for his early starts in the office, determined to quell the opposition protests.
Gachagua’s firm stance was that Raila would not be allowed to incite violence and destruction of property under any circumstances.
There are indications that the growing rapport between Raila and Ruto might lead to a political alliance in 2027, potentially sidelining Gachagua.
Political analysts suggest that Gachagua’s recent shift in support for Ruto’s relationship with Raila might be driven by a fear of being excluded in 2027.
How Gachagua Made U-Turn, Became Raila’s Cheerleader
