Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has recently made a striking shift in his stance toward former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he now praises as one of Africa’s finest statesmen. This new narrative is a far cry from Gachagua’s earlier criticisms, where he framed Raila as a non-progressive politician and a threat to Kenya’s political and economic stability. The transformation in Gachagua’s rhetoric marks a significant turn in the political dynamics within the Kenya Kwanza government.
In the past, Gachagua was a staunch opponent of Raila’s involvement in government affairs, claiming he set up “traps” to prevent Raila from accessing State House and influencing the administration. Gachagua had insisted that his boss, President William Ruto, shared this view, which led to measures aimed at keeping Raila at bay. During a recent interview, Gachagua revealed that the first time Ruto and Raila met after the 2022 general elections was in Uganda, far from the corridors of Kenyan power—a testament to the extent of the resistance within the Ruto administration to Raila’s influence.
However, Gachagua’s tone has dramatically shifted, especially after Raila was unveiled as Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson. During the state event, Gachagua described Raila as “Kenya’s finest,” emphasizing his passion for pan-Africanism. This unexpected endorsement was seen as a strategic pivot, positioning Raila as a statesman whose leadership transcends Kenya’s political rivalries.
Gachagua attributed his change of heart to the evolving political landscape and past experiences, such as former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s collaboration with Raila despite their earlier antagonistic relationship. He reflected on how leaders who once opposed Raila eventually found common ground with him, prompting Gachagua to question his previous stance.
“I had no issue with Raila Odinga’s leadership. The only problem was that he was competing for the same position as my boss. Now that he is running for a higher seat in Africa, all of us are behind him,” Gachagua stated, aligning himself with the broader support for Raila’s AU candidacy.
This newfound camaraderie was further demonstrated during President Ruto’s recent tour of Luo Nyanza, Raila’s political stronghold, where Gachagua’s praises for Raila were warmly received. The DP even acknowledged that his alliance with Raila could be the key to winning over hearts in the region, signaling a potential shift in how the Kenya Kwanza administration engages with opposition strongholds.
Despite Gachagua’s overtures, some political observers speculate that his change of stance might be driven by concerns over his own political future. There are whispers that Ruto’s growing rapport with Raila could lead to a 2027 political alliance that might marginalize Gachagua. The DP’s recent actions could be a strategic move to avoid being left out in the cold as new alliances form ahead of the next election cycle.
Gachagua’s pivot towards Raila also highlights a broader trend of reconciliation and coalition-building that has become a hallmark of Kenyan politics. Leaders who were once bitter rivals now often find themselves united by mutual interests and the pursuit of national unity.
Whether Gachagua’s praise for Raila will endure or if it is a tactical maneuver remains to be seen. However, it underscores the fluidity of Kenya’s political landscape, where yesterday’s adversaries can quickly become today’s allies in the ever-shifting quest for power and influence.
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