Gachagua To Ruto: The Only Discussion With Raila Should Be On His Exit From Politics
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has advised his boss, President William Ruto that should he sit down with Azimio la Umoja chief Raila Odinga, the discussion should strictly revolve around his retirement strategy from politics.
Speaking during an Interdenominational church service at Ole Ntimama Stadium, Narok County on Sunday, DP Gachagua urged President Ruto to steer clear from the idea of having a political handshake with the Azimio boss and that he should strictly focus on running his government.
He urged his boss to be firm on denying Raila a handshake, assuring him of his full support if he chooses to heed to his recommendation.
“Do not accept to have a handshake with him, but if you meet with him because he is a Kenyan citizen, you should have only one discussion, to discuss his exit from politics and permanent retirement from the politics of Kenya. That you have our support,’ said Gachagua.
The second-in-command further claimed that Raila’s interest is in forcing the government to have a handshake with him, urging him to stick to his role of keeping the government in check.
“He wants a handshake. His father bothered President Uhuru Kenyatta’s father. He also bothered Moi and then Kibaki. He then took Uhuru and threw him into a ditch and he now wants that we hold discussions on how we will be given a position,” he said.
“He should stay away and execute his oversight role to correct us where we are not performing well. But matters relating to handshake, Mr. President do not accept.”
This comes a week after DP Gachagua urged President Ruto to keep on administering his job and leave Raila to him, affirming that he will protect his leadership at whatever cost.
“I urge you Mr. President, on behalf of those helping you. Leave this man to us you step aside and focus on the economy and developments. But with this man, leave him to us. We know him,” he said.
“One of my duties is to protect his (Ruto’s) leadership and nobody will touch him.”
The genesis of the tensions between the government and the opposition came after Azimio announced that they have a report detailing how the August 2022 General Election was allegedly rigged in favor of President Ruto.
They have since demanded that President Ruto and his deputy should resign and likewise asked their supporters to oppose the UDA party rule.