Gachagua’s Support for Raila Odinga: A Political Evolution

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly expressed his support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, marking a significant shift from their previous contentious relationship. Gachagua’s endorsement was made during the launch of Kenya’s AUC bid at State House, Nairobi, where he praised Odinga’s resilience and leadership qualities, highlighting a political evolution in their interactions.

Gachagua, who had previously been vocal in his opposition to Odinga, clarified that his past disagreements with the opposition leader were strictly rooted in political rivalry. “As a truthful man, I had nothing against him,” Gachagua stated. He elaborated that their past conflicts were solely due to the competition between Odinga and President William Ruto for the presidency. Now that Odinga is aiming for a more prominent role on the African continent, Gachagua emphasized that his support is unequivocal.

The Deputy President’s remarks mark a notable departure from his stance in 2023 when he made headlines for his efforts to block Odinga from joining President Ruto’s government. At that time, Gachagua claimed to have set “traps” at State House to prevent Odinga from infiltrating Ruto’s administration. His aim was to ensure that Odinga, whom he accused of having “ruined” the administrations of Ruto’s predecessors, would not be given a platform to influence the new government.

Despite these efforts, Odinga’s political maneuvering proved successful. He eventually allied with Ruto, contributing to the formation of a broad-based government that included members from the opposition. This political realignment led Gachagua to reconsider his stance. In an unexpected move, he publicly acknowledged his shift in perspective, stating, “President Ruto is in charge, that is his house, I decided to step aside and watch from afar.”

This change in Gachagua’s attitude highlights the fluid nature of Kenyan politics, where alliances and enmities can shift rapidly. Gachagua’s support for Odinga’s AUC bid is not merely a gesture of political courtesy but reflects a deeper acknowledgment of Odinga’s stature and influence on the African stage.

In his speech, Gachagua described Raila Odinga as “a man of great resilience, endurance, and perseverance,” attributes he believes will be pivotal in Odinga’s quest for the AUC chairmanship. This endorsement is significant, given Gachagua’s previous assertions and the political climate that characterized their interactions. By supporting Odinga, Gachagua is not only endorsing a candidate for a continental position but also signaling a potential new chapter in his own political journey.

The endorsement also underscores the broader dynamics at play within Kenyan politics, where former adversaries can become allies, and political strategies are constantly evolving. Gachagua’s shift could be interpreted as a strategic move to align himself with a potential future leader of the African Union, reflecting a pragmatic approach to politics that considers both current alliances and future possibilities.

As Kenya gears up for the AUC chairmanship bid, Gachagua’s support for Odinga could play a crucial role in shaping the perception of the country’s commitment to continental leadership. The endorsement highlights the complex interplay between national and continental politics and sets the stage for further developments in Kenya’s political landscape.

In conclusion, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent support for Raila Odinga represents a significant political shift and reflects the dynamic nature of alliances in Kenyan politics. As Odinga campaigns for the AUC chairmanship, Gachagua’s endorsement not only underscores his personal evolution but also highlights Kenya’s evolving role on the African continent.