Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua should stop portraying himself as a gentleman if his actions suggest otherwise.
During his latest interview, Gachagua was asked whether he had any issue with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. He responded as though he had no personal differences with him. However, later in the interview, the DCP Party leader revealed that he had instructed the Linda Mwananchi team to concentrate its efforts in Western Kenya rather than the Mt Kenya region.
It’s on record that he even warned Linda Mwananchi team not to attempt setting foot in Ol Kalou because he claimed they were not needed and that their presence there was unnecessary.
That statement appeared to suggest that Gachagua considers the Mt Kenya region politically “locked” and, therefore, not worth campaigning in. The question is: how can anyone confidently declare a region politically closed when elections are ultimately decided by voters? When Edwin Sifuna appears nationally accepted than Gachagua himself?
Ironically, Gachagua has been touring different parts of the country and fielding DCP Party candidates outside the Mt Kenya region, including in Western Kenya and Emurua Dikirr. Few people have questioned his decision to expand his party’s political footprint nationally. It therefore seems inconsistent to imply that others should stay away from a region simply because he considers it secure.
In my view, it is time political leaders challenged Gachagua more directly on such contradictions. He often presents himself as a straightforward and principled leader, but some of his statements and actions leave room for legitimate questions about that image.
The former Deputy President has also, at times, appeared to struggle with working within a broader political team. If that perception proves accurate, the United Opposition may find it difficult to maintain unity around a leader with such a strong and uncompromising political style.
That said, Gachagua did make one notable admission during the interview. When asked whether he felt shortchanged by his colleagues in the United Opposition, he acknowledged that he had to do much of the “donkey work” because he was one of the key leaders who campaigned vigorously for William Ruto’s victory in the 2022 General Election. It was one of the more candid moments of the interview and offered insight into how he views his political role and contribution.