Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has voiced his concerns on the ongoing negotiations between Kenya Kwanza and the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party.
Gachagua stated that he was not prepared to accept the opposition into government when speaking at Brigadier John Kiboko’s funeral at Ngorika Secondary School in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County. Kiboko was a Mau Mau combatant.
“We are not against dialogue. We are not against handshake. It’s good I tell you today. We fear you (Raila). You associated with our good son Uhuru Kenyatta, who loved us and worked for us. When you joined hand with him (Uhuru) , he turned against us. That is why when we hear about handshake we fear,” Gachagua said.
“I was Uhuru’s personal assistant. We ate and drank together. He used to visit me and I used to visit him. Our children and wise were friends. When he joined you he turned against me and wanted to take me to jail.”
Before any further discussion, Gachagua demanded assurances from Raila that nothing would alter if he collaborated with President William Ruto.
“If you assure us that nothing will happen to our President, continue (with the dialogue). We have no problem with you. But what is the purpose of elections? Elections are won and lost. Once you win you govern. Once you lose you become the opposition,” he added.
“Come we talk, but you and your people cannot join the government. It is impossible.”However, speaking at the same function, Raila dismissed claims that he was looking to get a share of the government.
Raila urged Gachagua, Ruto and other leaders to let the dialogue team led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Kimani Ichung’wah to handle the talks.