Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday, May 18, played down reports of behind-the-scenes handshake talks between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after photos of the duo meeting for two consecutive days went viral.
Speaking during a meeting with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) country coordinators in Nairobi, Gachagua accused Raila of chasing photo opportunities with the President.
He stated that Raila wanted his team to use photos to create a perception that there was something in the works with Ruto.
"You have seen him running after the President so that he takes a photo for his team to use. The president has no problem with photo ops.
"Even on Saturday, tell him we will be in Limuru. That is far as it will go," Gachagua stated.
The DP assured the supporters of the regime that there would be no handshake even as he indicated that he did not have any problems with the duo meeting.
He explained that Ruto would not consider a handshake with Raila owing to his experience with President Uhuru Kenyatta after March 2018.
"I want to tell them Ruto is more strict about the handshake than I am. That experiment was the worst thing to happen in the politics of this country.
"Let them take their rightful position and keep the government in check," the DP asserted.
On the other hand, Gachagua revealed that they were preparing for future elections noting that they would open UDA offices across the country.
He noted that the offices would operate similarly to government offices with its employees expected to report on duty between 8 am to 5 pm.
Gachagua indicated that their vision was to have UDA dominate politics in the country for over 100 years.
The DP was making reference to Ruto and Raila's meeting on Saturday, May 13, at the Karasani Stadium for the Kip Keino Classic. This was after the duo attended Mukami Kimathi's funeral in Nyandarua.
Notably, Raila and Ruto also attended the Mashemeji derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards at the same venue on Sunday, May 14.
