Inside Politics

In case of a handshake, I won’t be there – Rigathi Gachagua

Thursday, April 6th, 2023 13:38 | By
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says he will not be available for a handshake
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says he will not be available for a handshake. PHOTO/Courtesy

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said that he will not be available in case there is a handshake between the government and Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking during a church function at African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa Ngarariga, Kiambu county, Gachagua said that the Kenya Kwanza government will not share the government with the opposition, what is famously known as 'nusu mkate'.

Speaking in Kikuyu, Gachagua said that even if there is anyone willing to have a handshake with Raila, he will not be there.

"Ni onakorwo nogutuike kuri mundu ungimugeithia nie Rigathi wa Gachagua ndiri hau. (Even if there is a person willing to greet him, I Rigathi Gachagua will not be there)," he said.

Gachagua said that the government will not prevent the Azimio from going back to the streets to hold anti-government protests which they suspended to hold talks with the government.

"They are threatening to go back to the streets. No problem, the streets are there. Whatever they want to do, we are fine with that," he added.

Raila on handshake

Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday, April 4, Azimio leader Raila Odinga said that Azimio was not interested in a handshake, saying that talks of a handshake were "coming from outside".

Raila said that he was ready to go back to the streets in case the government did not show seriousness in addressing the Azimio demands.

"Finally, we assure our people and Kenyans that our eyes are firmly on the ball, and reiterate that we shall go back to the people as the earliest sign of lack of seriousness by the other side," he added.

Among the issues that the coalition has raised include immediate reduction of the cost of living — including ensuring maize flour retails at Ksh100 per 2kg packet — reducing the cost of fuel and power, audit of the presidential election servers and reform and reconstitution of the electoral commission.

Azimio has also demanded that the ruling coalition respect the spirit and letter of multiparty democracy in Parliament.

More on Inside Politics


ADVERTISEMENT

RECOMMENDED STORIES Inside Politics


ADVERTISEMENT