Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua shared her thoughts on her relationship with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, emphasizing her openness to future engagements with him despite their past disagreements. Karua, who has been a vocal critic of the current administration, made it clear that while Gachagua’s actions and words may have irritated her at times, she does not consider him her enemy.
“I have not talked to him; he has not sought me out but I cannot rule out talking to anybody,” Karua remarked. “He is not my enemy. Kenya has one common enemy called William Ruto and his regime, and we better be focused as Kenyans.”
The statement reflects Karua’s pragmatic approach to politics, where personal grievances are secondary to the national interest. She pointed out that the main issue facing the country today is the leadership under President William Ruto, rather than personal animosities within the political space. Karua believes that Kenyans should unite in confronting the common challenges posed by the current regime, regardless of individual political histories or differences.
Karua’s comments come after a period of political tension following the 2022 general elections. During the campaign, she and her running mate Raila Odinga were strongly opposed to Ruto’s bid for the presidency, a division that created significant political rifts. However, despite these past conflicts, Karua has repeatedly expressed her willingness to put aside differences for the sake of national unity and political dialogue.
Regarding her relationship with Gachagua, Karua acknowledged that some of the remarks and actions made by the former Deputy President had caused her frustration in the past. However, she stressed that such issues are not irreconcilable. “He may have done things that irritated or annoyed me, but that’s life,” Karua said, underlining that politics often involves heated moments, and those can be resolved through dialogue.
While Karua’s comments suggest a potential thawing of relations between her and Gachagua, she also clarified that the former Deputy President had not yet reached out to her for direct discussions. This indicates a level of distance still remains, but Karua’s open stance suggests she is not closed off to the possibility of a future dialogue with Gachagua if the opportunity arises.
In addition to her remarks on Gachagua, Karua also spoke about her relationship with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, a crucial figure in Kenya’s political landscape. Karua, who was supported by Kenyatta and his Jubilee Party during the 2022 elections, acknowledged that despite their political differences since the election, they remain good friends.
Despite Kenyatta’s decision to align himself with President Ruto after the elections, Karua made it clear that their bond extends beyond politics. “We remain great friends,” she affirmed. Karua’s statement on her friendship with Kenyatta highlights her belief in maintaining personal relationships, even when political alliances shift.
As Kenya navigates through its political landscape, Karua’s comments shed light on the complexities of political relationships, where personal differences must sometimes be put aside in favor of national unity. Her willingness to engage in dialogue with individuals like Gachagua, despite their past differences, is a testament to her commitment to a broader political vision that transcends personal animosities.
In conclusion, Martha Karua’s approach reflects a pragmatic, reconciliatory mindset in Kenya’s dynamic political environment. Her readiness to engage in dialogue with former adversaries like Rigathi Gachagua, as well as her ongoing friendship with Uhuru Kenyatta, indicates a maturity in her leadership style one focused on healing political divides for the greater good of the country. As she continues to champion the cause of unity and justice, Karua’s message is clear: the challenges facing Kenya require collective effort, and no one should be excluded from the conversation.
