Opposition leader Raila Odinga has escalated his criticism of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, mocking him for his claims of setting traps at State House to prevent the opposition from gaining influence in President William Ruto’s administration. Speaking at a political rally in Vihiga on Sunday, Raila dismissed Gachagua’s strategies as futile, questioning his political acumen in light of his recent impeachment and removal from the country’s second-highest office.
The remarks come as Gachagua finds himself politically isolated, with Kithure Kindiki appointed as Deputy President following Gachagua’s October impeachment. Raila used the occasion to deride Gachagua’s earlier assertions about safeguarding State House from perceived threats by the opposition.
Gachagua’s “Traps”
In a past public address, Gachagua had boldly claimed to have set up mechanisms at State House to block Raila Odinga’s alleged attempts to gain influence in the government.
“Nimepanga hiyo Ikulu, nimeieweka mitego kila corner, kila corner…na niko na watu wakionekana tu karibu napigiwa simu kwa sababu huwezi kubali mtu ameharibu serikali nne aingie ya tano,” Gachagua said, referencing his belief that Raila was intent on sabotaging the government.
Raila, however, responded with characteristic sarcasm, questioning the effectiveness of the so-called traps.
“Nimeona juzi mtu mwengine anabweka kule ati tumeweka mitego kila mahali, huwezi kupenya. Mtego ya aina gani? Ati aliwekea baba mtego, eti hakuna mambo ya handshake, ya nusu mkate. Akowapi sasa Gachagua? Mjinga sana,” Raila retorted, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The Fallout
The rhetoric underscores the growing tensions within Kenya’s political landscape, particularly between Gachagua and Odinga. Gachagua’s tenure as Deputy President was marred by constant clashes with opposition figures and strained relations within the ruling coalition.
President Ruto, who initially supported Gachagua’s hardline stance against Raila, appeared to soften his approach over time. This shift left Gachagua politically vulnerable and eventually led to his impeachment. Raila highlighted this apparent backtracking, suggesting that Gachagua’s rigid strategies had backfired.
Gachagua’s Admission
In interviews with Kikuyu-language stations following his ouster, Gachagua offered a candid reflection on his time in office. He admitted to actively monitoring the traps he claimed to have set, saying, “My boss and I had agreed we set up traps so that Raila does not join the government through the backdoor. I would check the traps every morning and evening.”
Gachagua claimed to have slowed his efforts after observing President Ruto’s growing rapport with Raila. “My traps were working very well because even that time they decided to meet, they did so in Uganda as they watched Museveni’s big horned cattle,” Gachagua quipped, referencing a past meeting between Ruto and Raila.
Raila’s Perspective
Raila seized upon these admissions to question Gachagua’s political judgment, portraying him as a misguided and ineffective leader. “Akowapi sasa Gachagua?” Raila taunted, suggesting that Gachagua’s efforts to block opposition influence had ultimately led to his own political downfall.
Political Implications
The exchange between Raila and Gachagua reflects deeper divisions within Kenya’s political arena. For Raila, the opportunity to mock Gachagua serves as a way to consolidate his support base while casting doubt on the ruling coalition’s unity.
For Gachagua, his removal underscores the fragility of his political alliances. While he initially presented himself as a staunch defender of President Ruto’s administration, his impeachment highlights the precarious nature of Kenyan politics, where loyalty and strategy are often overshadowed by shifting alliances.
As the political dust settles, Raila’s jabs and Gachagua’s reflections offer a window into the high-stakes drama that continues to shape Kenya’s political narrative.
