Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday, October 30, told former opposition leader Raila Odinga to forget about joining the current government.
Speaking during a church service in Murang’s county attended by President William Ruto, Gachagua told Raila that they are not interested in him and should just stick to his lane.
"Yesterday I saw the old man we defeated saying he will not be coerced or intimidated to join our government. Old man listen, you have no business within our government. We don't need you and we are not looking for you. We have no time," the DP took a swipe at the former Prime Minister.
Addressing the congregation, Gachagua claimed that Raila rocked the former government from within after joining the then President Uhuru Kenyatta through the handshake.
“The last time he joined Uhuru Kenyatta's government everything went wrong? Would you really like him in our Government? Stop saying that people can force you to come to this government. Forget about being forced or coerced we are not interested because we are busy. We have a focused president and we don't need your help at all.
The DP also stated that the current government is fully equipped with able people to drive the hustler agenda and that the Azimio leader should focus on his opposition role.
“We have Alice Wahome to help the president, Ndindi Nyoro and Prof Ndung'u. I am also present to help too. What other help should we need from you? Just play your oversight role while out there. Correct us when we are wrong, that is your work," he concluded.
The DP was responding to Raila's remarks, which he made on Saturday, October 29, during the burial of Mzee Nyangaga Akoth, a member of the Luo Council of Elders.
The Orange Democratic Movement - ODM leader took a swipe at Ruto, claiming that opposition politicians were being coerced to join the government to get development projects in their regions.
"We cannot be threatened to join the government, which government? If you are leading a county government. You are in government, which one again do they want you to get into?" Raila questioned.
Earlier the same day, while attending the burial of Ida Odinga’s bodyguard, Raila assured his followers that he had not given up and he will soon drop a bombshell.
"I will talk to you in the coming days. There are good things we are bringing to you. When the time comes we will tell you that this is the direction we want to take. The time has not come but it will come do not give up," said Raila.
"Be strong because I am not yet tired. Should I give up or continue? I will give directions on the path we shall take when the time is right."Going forward, we want to bring change to our people so that Kenyans can live comfortable life. That is what service to the nation is all about."
Raila maintained that the August 2022 Presidential elections were not fair and still believes that IEBC was involved in manipulating the outcome.
Ruto has previously ruled out a handshake arrangement with Odinga, after he was pushed out of a government he worked to form with Uhuru.
