Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua finds himself in a precarious political position. His efforts to keep opposition leader Raila Odinga out of government and State House have not been successful, leading to a dilemma: should he resist or align with the new political landscape? Raila's strategic agreement with President William Ruto has cornered Gachagua, leaving him with limited options.
Gachagua has been vocal about his determination to protect the government from what he perceives as threats, including from Raila. He has previously stated his vigilance, noting his careful monitoring of any potential political maneuvers that might disrupt the current administration. However, recent developments suggest that his efforts to isolate Raila have been unsuccessful.
Despite his attempts to block Raila, Gachagua recently expressed frustration that Raila managed to meet with President Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, a meeting that caught Gachagua off guard and worried his supporters. This unexpected political camaraderie led Gachagua to escalate his public statements against any potential power-sharing deal with Raila.
Historically, Gachagua has maintained a firm stance against including the opposition in government, as reflected in his previous remarks emphasizing that the government is for "shareholders" only. This position seems increasingly untenable as President Ruto shifts towards a more inclusive approach, even suggesting a willingness to work with the opposition, including Raila.
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Political analysts suggest that Gachagua's efforts to contain Raila may have been strategically neutralized. The February meeting between Ruto, Raila, and Museveni, with its implications of political collaboration, particularly troubled Gachagua and his allies. Gachagua has expressed unease over potential negotiations with Raila, fearing betrayal.
Publicly, Gachagua has maintained a polite demeanor towards Raila, but privately, he has criticized Raila and expressed concerns about political betrayal, drawing on past experiences to justify his wariness. This tension reflects a broader rift between Gachagua and President Ruto, as Ruto's engagement with Raila might dilute Gachagua's influence.
Despite these challenges, Gachagua has recently praised Interior CS nominee Kithure Kindiki, signaling a potential shift in alliances or a pragmatic adjustment to the changing political landscape. Previously, Gachagua had accused Kindiki of undermining his efforts against illicit alcohol, indicating a complex and possibly contentious relationship.
As the political situation evolves, Gachagua's position remains uncertain. The ongoing dynamics between Ruto, Raila, and Gachagua could reshape the political matrix, potentially reducing Gachagua's influence if the new political alignment solidifies. This situation mirrors the drift seen between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, following the 2018 handshake between Kenyatta and Raila.
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