Gachagua Reveals Condition Before Ruto Agrees to Raila, Uhuru Talks

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto engaging in talks during an event on March 15, 2023.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto engaging in talks during an event on March 15, 2023.
Twitter
Rigathi Gachagua

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday, March 23, revealed that President William Ruto would only engage his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga regarding public funds that were allegedly misused in the past administration.

Speaking in Murang'a County, Gachagua maintained that they were not interested in talks over the elections and a power-sharing deal.

The DP stated that they would engage the duo over suspicious transactions that were done by senior government officials in the last administration.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga at the burial of ex-Education CS Prof. George Magoha in Gem, Siaya County, on February 11, 2023.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga at the burial of ex-Education CS Prof. George Magoha in Gem, Siaya County, on February 11, 2023.
Twitter
ODM

"It is okay if they want us to talk with Raila. However, we must also have discussions with Uhuru Kenyatta. Let them explain to us over the Ksh15 billion that was disbursed in 15 minutes,"

"Talking about a power-sharing deal cannot happen. That is the only option. If they want to call us hardliners then there is no problem, " he stated.

The second in command acknowledged that several forces including religious leaders were pushing for a truce between Ruto and Raila amid scheduled weekly demonstrations for Monday and Thursday.

He noted that the ODM boss was laying a trap for Ruto - similar to his tactics before the 2018 handshake.

Consequently, he advised the religious leaders to have a sit-down with the ODM boss and advise him against the demonstrations.

"Don’t request us to sanction blackmail and impunity. How can you ask us to fall into the trap of blackmail, threats and intimidation?

"We ask our spiritual leaders to pray for Raila Odinga so that God can touch his heart and move away from the spirit of destruction and impunity," he stated.

However, Raila denied they were interested in having a handshake with Ruto.

He maintained that their demonstrations were aimed at protesting against the high cost of living and searching for the truth regarding the 2022 General Election.

"Kenya Kwanza has continued to claim that all we are looking for is a handshake. This is an insult to the intelligence of Kenyans. We will not participate in a handshake with an illegitimate regime," the ODM boss assured.

President William Ruto addresses 50 newly appointed CASs at State House on March 23, 2023.jpg
President William Ruto addresses 50 newly appointed CASs at State House on March 23, 2023.
William Ruto