DP Rigathi Gachagua in his office
Deputy President’s Surprising Move
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua surprised many on Sunday. He announced he had removed all the traps he had set at the State House. This decision allowed ODM leader Raila Odinga unfettered access to the Head of State. Gachagua, speaking to Kikuyu stations from his Karen home, explained his actions. He noticed his boss appeared to be reuniting with a former political foe.
Strategic Traps Removed
Gachagua revealed the effectiveness of his traps. The first time President Ruto met Raila Odinga, they met in Uganda, far from the House on the Hill. “My boss and I agreed to set up traps so that Raila does not join the government through the backdoor,” Gachagua said. “I checked the traps every morning and evening.” He consistently monitored the traps, ensuring they were operational.
Observing from Afar
Gachagua observed Ruto and Raila’s newfound union from a distance. He noted, “President Ruto is in charge; that is his house. I decided to step aside and watch from afar.” His traps worked effectively. Even when Ruto and Raila met, they chose Uganda, where they watched Museveni’s big horned cattle. Gachagua decided to abandon the traps when Ruto and Raila started talking. He shifted his focus to the fight against illicit liquor.
Rallying Call for Revenue Sharing
After much introspection, Gachagua developed the one-man, one-shilling, one-vote rallying call. This campaign received support from the ODM leader. “People shouted at me and called me tribal for suggesting resources be allocated based on population sizes,” Gachagua said. “Raila supported my idea, stating it was the right approach.”
Changing Perceptions
DP Gachagua realized he might have misjudged Raila. Despite Uhuru Kenyatta’s previous criticism of Raila, they eventually worked together. Gachagua saw a similar pattern with his boss, President Ruto. Ruto enlisted his former political foe to form a broad-based administration. “Uhuru Kenyatta told us Raila was bad, but they ended up working together,” Gachagua reflected. “Ruto told us Raila was bad, but now they are working together. I wondered if I was in the dark.”
Embracing Collaboration
Gachagua’s realization about Raila’s support for the revenue-sharing campaign marked a turning point. “I realized my traps would work against this man who supports the one-man, one-shilling, one-vote revenue-sharing formula,” Gachagua added. He removed all the traps at State House. “If they capture Raila, who will help me advocate for the revenue-sharing formula?”
A New Approach
Gachagua decided to allow Raila access to State House without issues. He acknowledged, “Raila is saying the same thing I have been calling for.” This decision marked a significant shift in Gachagua’s approach to political alliances.