DP Gachagua: A Handshake He Said Would Never Happen

Few events highlight the unpredictability of political allegiances as starkly as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent predicament. Gachagua, a staunch critic of political handshakes, has found himself at the heart of a coalition he once fervently opposed. This surprising turn of events underscores the often-contradictory nature of political commitments and the fluidity of political alliances.

Gachagua’s skepticism towards handshakes is well-documented. On April 6, 2023, while attending a church service at the AIPCA church in Kiambu County, he made his position clear. He stated, “Those people should leave me alone. I am not a hardliner; I am just saying what my bosses want. My people do not want a handshake—or do you?” This sentiment echoed a broader resistance within his political circle, which saw any form of reconciliation with opposition leader Raila Odinga as a betrayal of their core principles.

Earlier, in March 2023, amid rising protests against the cost of living, Gachagua took an even stronger stance. He vowed, “Even if he (Raila Odinga) goes to the streets, rioting hoping the President will invite him for a handshake deal, that will not happen. I will be roaming in State House compound so that when this mzee tries to sneak in through the back door he finds me there!” Gachagua’s comments reflected not only his personal resistance but also a broader political strategy aimed at presenting a united front against opposition overtures.

Fast forward to October 2023, and Gachagua’s hardline stance had not wavered. As the National Dialogue Committee was deliberating, he was adamant that the Mt. Kenya region would oppose any proposal involving a handshake with Odinga. In an interview with Inooro FM, he reiterated his position, asserting, “I assure you that the talks will get him nowhere. We have agreed with President Ruto that we will not bring him into the government.”

However, political reality has a way of challenging even the most steadfast positions. Despite Gachagua’s fervent opposition, the unexpected happened. President William Ruto, with Gachagua by his side at State House, announced the inclusion of notable opposition figures into his ‘broad-based’ government. This move represents a significant shift from earlier statements, aligning with a coalition Gachagua had explicitly rejected.

This about-face has ignited discussions about the nature of political promises and the frequent divergence between public declarations and political pragmatism. Gachagua’s earlier statements were unequivocal, presenting himself as a bulwark against what he described as political machinations. Yet, his current position reflects the reality that political landscapes are rarely static and that political leaders often must navigate complex and changing alliances.

The irony of the situation is underscored by Gachagua’s earlier rhetoric. In April 2023, he dismissed the possibility of a handshake with Odinga, citing past experiences and a commitment to a hardline stance. “He had a handshake with our prince who was a good person full of respect but later, you all saw what happened. Even if there is a handshake, I as Rigathi Gachagua will not be there,” he had said. His transformation from a fierce opponent of political handshakes to a participant in one highlights the often-contradictory nature of political strategies.

In hindsight, Gachagua’s situation serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of politics. The advice of lawyer Ahmednassir Abdullahi rings true: “In Kenya politics, never express yourself definitively on any subject, always maintain constructive ambiguity.” The words of Harold Wilson, “a week is a long time in politics,” aptly capture the essence of Gachagua’s current predicament, illustrating how swiftly political fortunes can change.