‘Gachagua is worried of handshake between Ruto, Raila’ – Nyando MP
Nyando Member of Parliament (MP) Jared Okello claims that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is the main obstacle to a handshake between President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV's Daybreak show on Monday, March 13, 2023, Okello accused Gachagua of being against an inclusive government.
The Nyando MP claimed that Gachagua is wary of a handshake between Ruto and Raila because of what happened when the Azimio leader shook hands with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to end their political animosity.
Okello noted that Gachagua is fighting against the reconciliation between Ruto and Raila because he fears he will have to go through what Ruto went through when Raila and Uhuru shook hands.
“Gachagua, the deputy president is worried in case a handshake between President Ruto and ODM leader, Raila Odinga happens, he will be the first casualty to be sidelined in the government he participated to form,” the Nyando MP said.
Okello added that Gachagua clearly understands what befell Ruto after March 2018 handshake between Raila and Uhuru.
He claimed that the DP fears being sidelined in the government if Ruto and Raila are to shake hands.
During the Jubilee administration’s second term, it was not easy for Ruto as he blamed Raila for having a hand in ‘kicking him out’ from the government he formed in 2013 and 2017 consecutively.
Uhuru abandoned his promise of endorsing Ruto to succeed him after the handshake with Raila and consequently campaigned for the Azimio leader as his successor.
Even though the handshake between Raila and Uhuru calmed the political temperature in the country, it isolated Ruto from the government.
The situation at the moment is almost similar to back then when Raila threatened Uhuru's government with demonstrations and other moves.
The Azimio leader has vowed to cripple Ruto's administration with mass action unless his demands are met by the government.
