Gachagua Reveals How He Will Deal With Raila's Future Rallies

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked President William Ruto to let him handle matters concerning the Azimio la Umoja coalition and leader, Raila Odinga, who plan to host a public rally at the Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi on Monday, January 23.

Speaking during a church service held at Kerugoya Stadium in Kirinyaga County on Sunday, January 22, Gachagua revealed that he plans to lead in talks with the opposing coalition.

He further called upon the President to allocate him a couple of weeks so that he, alongside the Kenya Kwanza government ensures that the opposition embraces good behaviour before he goes after the cartels affecting the coffee, tea and milk sectors.

President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru during a church service at Kerugoya Stadium, Kirinyaga County on January 22, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO

"Mr President please leave alone matters concerning Raila Odinga, we are here. From tomorrow, we will arrange how we will have a sit-down with the opposition. Regarding the public rallies, we are aware. 

"So you will allow us space of one or two weeks we straighten them up, after which we will deal with the cartels concerning coffee, tea and milk," he requested.

Gachagua further assured that he will do everything to safeguard the current administration and that they will not be derailed by claims propagated by the Azimio coalition that a whistleblower indicated that Raila was rigged out of the elections in favour of Ruto.

"Go and look for those who were with you because our president is busy. You have looked for Jeffrey Smith as a whistleblower. What you're doing is what you have done all these years. 

"My duty as the Deputy President is to protect the leadership of President Ruto. And no one will bother him under my watch," he stated.

While directing Gachagua to kick out the cartels in the agricultural sector, President Ruto revealed in the same church service that they have been part of those funding the rallies to take place.

"I hear it's them (cartels) who are financing the rallies because we ordered them out. Let them organise the rallies but our firms can no longer be the slaves of brokers and cartels who have taken hostage our markets," he said.

On her part, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire lashed out at Raila, stating that he is way past his time and should hand over the baton to younger leaders to take his place.

She threatened to expose the individuals who held a meeting in Mombasa and had planned to unleash resources for Monday's planned opposition rally.