Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday hit out at those labelling him a tribalist amidst his stance on the One Man, One Vote One Shilling revenue-sharing formula.
Gachagua who spoke at a Women and Youth Empowerment Funds drive in Samburu argued that freedom of expression was a constitutional right and that he was not an exception.
While insisting on the matter, the Deputy President acknowledged Odinga’s common stand and questioned why the latter wasn’t criticised unlike him.
“So just because what I have said aligns with what the people from where I come prefer, you label me a tribalist," commented Gachagua.
"And yesterday I saw the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga say the same thing I said, I did not hear people calling him a tribalist.”
According to Gachagua, a difference in opinions did not mean tribalism and that it was common for people to vary in thoughts.
The DP reiterated the need for talks to enable people to understand the main idea behind the revenue-sharing formula.
“So everybody should be given a chance to express themselves, let us have a conversation, we are all the same people of Kenya, let us talk and bring the country together," the DP stated.
“The fact that I am the deputy president does not extinguish my right as a Kenyan and as per the constitution to have an opinion, but that opinion is not a command, it's just an opinion,” he added.
DP Gachagua's sentiments come against the backdrop of Azimio leader Raila Odinga's stance on the One Man, One Vote, One Shilling approach.
On Thursday, June 6, Odinga endorsed the approach as he called for constitutional amendments to ensure equitable distribution of funds.
Odinga who spoke during the presentation of Limuru 3 resolutions at Chungwa House, noted the move would ensure not just equality but also equity.
"It’s logical for equity of resources. I already supported the proposal on the defunct BBI," the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader stated.
"That’s why in BBI we talked for one man, one vote, and one shilling,” he added.
