Raila Odinga Rules Out Working With Rigathi Gachagua
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed any chances of working with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to Wajir residents during a consultative forum on Wednesday, March 5, Odinga made it clear that he could never form an alliance with a leader who previously wished for his downfall.
The Azimio la Umoja leader recalled past statements by Gachagua, where he openly declared that he had set traps to block Odinga from getting close to State House. Raila used this reference to emphasize that working with Gachagua was not an option.
“That man once said he had set traps everywhere to stop me from passing and getting a handshake. So, do you expect me to go to the same man who was setting traps for me? That is impossible,” Raila remarked, receiving loud cheers from the crowd.
Gachagua’s Political Troubles
Odinga pointed out that despite Gachagua’s past hostility towards him, the former DP is now struggling politically after being sidelined by the very government he worked hard to bring to power.
He further noted that while Gachagua tried to block his way to State House, fate had taken a different turn. Raila reminded the public that he was recently at State House in the company of prominent East African leaders, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, and President William Ruto.
“The traps set against me did not work. That is why you saw me at State House, standing alongside other regional leaders,” he stated.
Raila’s Push for Electoral Reforms
Odinga’s remarks come just days after he kicked off his nationwide consultative tour to gather public views on his party’s next political steps.
During his address in Wajir, he also called for the immediate implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report and the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
He stressed that these reforms were necessary to prevent the kind of controversies witnessed during the 2022 General Election.
“The NADCO report must be implemented because it was drafted to address the issues that arose in previous elections. We sat down to have discussions on key matters affecting our democracy,” Raila explained.
He added, “Going forward, we want a free and fair electoral process. We do not want a repeat of the irregularities and disputes we have been seeing. Kenya deserves an electoral body that can oversee credible elections.”
High Cost of Living
Apart from electoral reforms, Odinga also urged President William Ruto’s administration to act swiftly in reducing the cost of living. He expressed concern that many Kenyans were struggling under the burden of high taxes and tough economic conditions.
He emphasized that addressing economic hardships should be a priority, as the majority of citizens were finding it difficult to afford basic necessities.
His message resonated with Wajir residents, who echoed their frustrations over rising costs and called for immediate government intervention.
Odinga’s ongoing tour is expected to shape his political strategy as the country inches closer to the 2027 elections.
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