Gachagua Reaches Out to Nyanza, Says Mt. Kenya Has 'No Problem with Raila'

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to the people of Nyanza and supporters of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking on KTN Monday night, Gachagua emphasized that discord should be directed at President William Ruto, not towards Odinga or the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and that the people of Mt. Kenya and Nyanza are not adversaries. Gachagua's comments come in the wake of allegations that some Kirinyaga residents celebrated Odinga’s defeat in the African Union Commission chairmanship poll, an assertion Gachagua refutes, stating that such celebrations were isolated incidents.

“I want to take this opportunity to tell supporters of Raila Odinga from Nyanza that they should not fight the mountain people because we are not their enemies at all. We have a problem with President William Ruto, we have no problem with Raila Odinga and ODM,” Gachagua said on KTN.

He has reiterated the need for cooperation between regions as Kenya navigates its complex political terrain. In preparation for the 2027 general elections, Gachagua has openly expressed his willingness to collaborate with leaders—including Odinga—who prioritize Kenya’s future. He has engaged in outreach to opposition figures such as Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper, Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), and members of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), holding consultations at his Wamunyoro residence with professionals and politicians to forge broad alliances.

Gachagua has also revealed plans to benchmark with ODM as he works towards establishing his political party, voicing his admiration for Odinga’s ability to sustain a robust political machine over two decades. He intends to seek insights from Odinga on building a durable party structure with the goal of launching his own political entity in May of 2025. Gachagua aims to safeguard the interests of his constituents through strategic coalitions.

Additionally, Gachagua discloses that numerous leaders from Mt. Kenya are contemplating leaving the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join his new party. Gachagua further signals his openness to working with any leader who prioritizes Kenya's future. In recent months, Gachagua has engaged in outreach efforts, fostering relationships with figures such as Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper, Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa.

These interactions reflect a broader strategy to cultivate cross-party alliances. Concurrently, Gachagua has been hosting meetings at his Wamunyoro residence, described as 'consultations.' Gachagua has expressed confidence that his political faction will be the one to form the next government.