Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told the Kamba nation to chart their political path away from Azimio leader Raila Odinga whom he accused of disrespecting the community.
Revisiting the events of the 2022 Azimio running mate selection, the DP said the community was treated to unprecedented public humiliation despite supporting the opposition chief for years.
Speaking when he attended a church service and fundraiser at Zombe Township African Inland Church (AIC) in Kitui East constituency, the second in command said it is high time the community chart a different path away from Raila.
Following Raila, he added, will only ensure the community remains in the opposition as other regions form government.
“Fix your politics; you cannot follow a man who takes you nowhere forever,” Rigathi said.
“Last time he [Raila] showed the community disrespect, he called Kalonzo to an interview to ask him his name and ID, this despite Kalonzo supporting him for years and even serving as his running mate,” the DP said.
“You don’t humiliate a whole community which has stood with you for years like that.”
Kalonzo has been Raila’s running mate both in 2013 and 2017 elections.
Kalonzo, Narc Kenya boss Martha Karua, then Murang’a Woman Rep Sabina Chege, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, former CS Peter Munya and former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui were among those who appeared for Raila’s 2022 running mate interview.
Others were former governors Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, Narc leader Charity Ngilu and former Kenya Ambassador to Australia Stephen Tarus.
The Azimio running mate selection panel was chaired by former Kwanza MP Noah Wekesa.
Yesterday, Rigathi said it was disrespectful to drag Kalonzo to the interview panel only to drop him in favour of Karua.
“They took him [Kalonzo] to an interview knowing very well who was to be the running mate,” he said.
“Let us respect communities, especially the community that has supported you in previous elections.”
The DP further claimed that Raila again set up Kalonzo to lead the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) only to oppose the report behind the scenes.
Rigathi was accompanied by EAC, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development CS Peninah Malonza, area MP Nimrod Mbai, MPs Rachael Nyamai (Kitui South), Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), Zaheer Jhanda (Nyaribari Chache), Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central) and Kagesi Kivai (Vihiga), among others.
The DP also called for patience with Kenya Kwanza, saying the country is slowly emerging from a dark past that saw the cost of living hit all time higher.
He said Ruto’s administration has steadied the ship and soon Kenyans will find life bearable.
“There is no patient who can move from ICU straight home, the patient which is Kenya is now in the normal ward and soon it will be ok,” he said.
“It has not been easy, we got huge debt hole when we took over but there is hope at the end of the channel.”
MPs Nyakundi and Zaheer also called for patience asking Kenyans to give the President and his deputy time to transform the economy.
“We should be patient because the work the President and DP are doing there are indications that things are going to be better,” Nyakundi said.
“Things have started getting better; in the near future there will be no issue at all,” Nyaribari Chache MP said.