Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday gave opposition leader Raila Odianga a piece of his mind – and it was a mouthful.
Speaking during the burial of Mau Mau fighter Brigadier John Kiboko at Ngorika Secondary School, Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, Gachagua said that he feared Odinga because of what happened when he and former president, Uhuru Kenyatta, entered into a political deal, popularly known as The Handshake.
“The truth is that we fear you,” he said, adding that he was not ready to allow opposition into government.
The DP also expressed his fears against the ongoing talks between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party.
“We are not against dialogue. We are not against handshake. It’sgood 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 hands 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.”
Gachagua also asked for assurance from Raila that things would not change if he works with President William Ruto before any dialogue continues.
“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.
Speaking earlier at the same event, Odinga asked Gachagua to let the dialogue continue even if he didn’t like what he 9Raila) was saying.
“Let Kalonzo and Kimani Ichung’wa talk. Wewe kaa kando, Ruto akae kando na mimi nikae kando,” said Odinga.
He also denied having met President Ruto as Gachagua had clamed days before.
“Nilikutana na Ruto wapi,” he posed.