Wiper Democratic Movement Party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has called on Kenyans to ignore unfortunate remarks made by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the ongoing National Dialogue Committee talks.
Kenya’s Deputy President Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua. Photo | Taifa Leo
While addressing mourners at a burial in Machakos on Thursday the DP is quoted saying: “They have sent Kalonzo Musyoka to useless talks that will bear no fruit. I’m telling you as the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya.”
The statement not only rankled many in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance but it goes contrary to the notion of support for the talks portrayed by President Ruto.
Mr Kalonzo conceded to the media on Friday, August 25, 2023, that: “We did indeed discuss the Deputy President’s comments during our meeting. Everybody knows that we came here and we are negotiating in good faith. This is a very important national exercise and every national leader should be properly guided and support it because it is about the future of this country”.
Speaking at the same presser Embu Governor Cecily Mbaririe who was holding brief for National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa on behalf of Kenya Kwanza said: “As the Kenya Kwanza team, I want to assure you that we are fully committed to this talks. We are here for a purpose and we have clear instructions on what to do.”
Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (left) and Cecily Mbaririe (right) briefing the press on Friday, August 25, 2023, on the sidelines of the National Dialogue Committee talks at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi. Photo | NMG
Ms Mbaririe also urged Kenyans not to take comments by the Deputy President seriously, saying: “I therefore urge every Kenyan not to take anything that you hear outside this talks very seriously because there’s a purpose we want to achieve through this talks.”
Since he emphasized that he was speaking in his official capacity as the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya confusion met the Gachagua remarks that they could reflect the position of his boss. The Nation report now indicates that Deputy President Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua was speaking off the cuff in his capacity and not necessarily representing the position of the government.
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