Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio, to step away from active political engagement, branding him an impediment to progress. Gachagua’s statement follows contentious comments made by US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman.
Gachagua asserted that Odinga had overstepped boundaries by challenging the US envoy’s assessment of Kenya’s recent election as the “most credible election in Kenyan history.” The Deputy President highlighted that President William Ruto’s victory was lawful and took the opportunity to underscore Odinga’s lack of authority in dismissing the US ambassador.
“On the day President William Ruto also defended the US envoy,” Gachagua emphasized, “I want to remind Odinga that William Ruto is the legitimately elected President of Kenya. You are just an ordinary person. You say you’ll fire the American ambassador to Kenya, but you don’t even have the authority to sack your assistant Chief in Bondo.”
Gachagua dismissed Odinga’s threats to push for the removal of Ambassador Whitman for alleged interference in Kenya’s affairs, labeling them as baseless.
Criticizing Odinga’s attempts to undermine President Ruto’s administration, Gachagua highlighted Odinga’s limited influence as an ordinary citizen. Gachagua went further to express the public’s growing weariness of Odinga’s dramatic tactics and suggested that Odinga take a break from political involvement.
Deputy President Gachagua pledged that, upon Odinga’s retirement, he would personally ensure the Opposition Chief’s inclusion in the Inua Jamii program, a government initiative aiding vulnerable members of society.
Gachagua condemned Odinga’s history of using blackmail to pressure successive governments into meeting his “selfish” demands, warning that this time his tactics would fail.
He also discredited Odinga’s efforts to infiltrate the Ruto administration covertly, highlighting the resilience of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“We (Kenya Kwanza) will not give in to your threats or intimidation. We will stay put till the end,” Gachagua asserted. He made it clear that the current government would not entertain a conciliatory gesture with Odinga, who contested the August 2022 presidential election results.
Gachagua’s remarks coincide with ongoing bipartisan negotiations aimed at resolving long-standing disputes concerning the election and the nation’s economic situation.
The Deputy President’s response followed President Ruto’s defense of Ambassador Whitman’s statements. Ruto labeled them as “facts” and urged Odinga and his supporters to uphold decorum while demanding respect from others.
Ruto reaffirmed Ambassador Whitman’s statements during the 2Jiajiri/GIZ Graduation Ceremony in Nairobi’s Kasarani area, pointing out the significant investments from various countries. He criticized Odinga for vilifying those who contribute to the nation’s growth.
Ruto also drew attention to the damage caused by past Odinga-led demonstrations, asserting that such actions have undermined the nation’s economy and investment prospects.
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