I’ll benchmark with ODM to form serious political party – Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now says that he will benchmark with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party even as he works to form his political party.

According to Gachagua, he admires former Prime Minister Raila Odinga because he created a political machine that has lasted 20 years.

He said the quality of leaders who get elected under the Orange party is admirable and as a result, he must seek advice from Raila on how to do it.

The former DP said that he has two years to create a serious political machine.

“I'm happy and this is God sent, I have time to craft a very serious political party and by the way, I do admire Raila Odinga and ODM. We may have had problems with Raila but give it to him. He crafted a very serious political machine that has been there for 20 years.

“The quality of leaders elected under ODM is admirable and I'll be going to ODM for benchmarking. I must talk to Raila Odinga, ask him how did you craft this machine and how have you kept it going for 20 years?” Gachagua said.

During the interview, Gachagua said he was open to working with the former Prime Minister and any leader who means well for the future of Kenya.

Asked about the coalitions he is currently seeking with other opposition parties, Gachagua insisted that he will be keen not to repeat the mistake he made in the 2022 elections.

He said that he will make sure the interests of his people are well captured regardless of who he will form a coalition with, ahead of the next general elections.

“I have two years to create a very serious political machine. I'll make sure that in whatever coalition we go and whoever, I will make sure our interests are well anchored through a water-tight agreement,” Gachagua said.

He also noted that many Mt Kenya leaders have assured him that they are ready to ditch the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party for his new party.

Gachagua in a media roundtable said he will launch his party in around May this year.