Rigathi Gachagua Says Raila Odinga Was Not a Good Choice for 2022 Presidency
Gachagua recalled that former President Uhuru Kenyatta had warned against supporting Ruto but argued that the guidance lacked specifics
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was not the best candidate for the presidency in the 2022 General Election, while reflecting on the events that led to President William Ruto’s victory
Gachagua recalled that former President Uhuru Kenyatta had warned against supporting Ruto but argued that the guidance lacked specifics
“If Uhuru Kenyatta had told us what he really knew about Ruto and the reason why we were to avoid him, instead of just speaking vaguely, we would not be in this situation,” he said
He added that the alternative candidate presented to Mt. Kenya, Raila Odinga, was also not ideal. “Again, the choice he brought was also not good,” Gachagua said, while acknowledging Raila’s contributions as an opposition leader
Gachagua also described his fallout with President Ruto after the election, accusing him of mismanaging the country, undermining education, and showing hostility toward Mt. Kenya residents
The tensions culminated in Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024
“We elected him thinking he was a good person. On reaching power, I found out that he could not be trusted. He has plundered and destroyed the country
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He hates us, the people from Mt. Kenya,” he said, adding that he would not reconcile with Ruto, claiming, “His hands are full of blood, and my conscience does not allow me to seek rapprochement”
Gachagua’s remarks have sparked debate on social media, with Kenyans divided over his comments. Some criticized him for blaming Uhuru Kenyatta, while others questioned his judgment on the 2022 presidential candidates.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta had endorsed Raila Odinga and the Azimio coalition, highlighting Raila’s ability to unite the nation
Despite the endorsement, William Ruto, Kenya Kwanza’s presidential candidate, won the election, with the Supreme Court upholding the results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)0
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
