Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed why he joined Kenyans in supporting former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his bid for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship role despite not seeing each other eye to eye in the past.
Gachagua was speaking on August 27, 2024, at State House Nairobi during the official launch of Kenya’s AUC bid presided over by President William Ruto and other East African Head of States.
The second in command acknowledged that many assumed that he had issues with Odinga’s leadership, adding that they may have wondered why he has shifted his stance in supporting Odinga’s bid.
Gachagua however refuted the claims and highlighted that his only issue was that Raila was up against President Ruto in the 2022 General Election which could have been misinterpreted for not believing in Odinga’s leadership.
“For us in leadership, we have learnt great lessons of resilience endurance and perseverance. “Someone may ask why would Rigathi Gachagua who has before had issues with the leadership of Raila Odinga?
As a truthful man I had nothing against him. Its only that we were competing for the same position between him and my boss,” said the DP.
“Now that he is going for a bigger seat in Africa, all of us from the President I and the rest of Kenyans are behind him.”
At the same time, DP Gachagua pointed out that Kenyans from all political divides have joined hands to support Odinga regardless of their regional backgrounds.
Gachagua Praises Raila During AUC Bid Launch
DP Rigathi Gachagua while endorsing Raila Odinga as ‘Africa’s finest’ stated that his candidature catapults him from a national leader to a statesman.
The Second in command assured his support to ensure Raila clinches the AUC Chairperson position, adding that the former premier’s zeal and determination will be suitable as he takes up the new role.
“Honorable Raila Odinga is a man who listens to the ground let me confirm that. I have listened to the ground and all Kenyans of all political divides across communities are all in support of your candidature and we wish you well,” he added.
“I would like to tell all leaders here from Africa and the representatives that as a country as we present the Rt Hon Raila Odinga today to be our candidate it is because Africa our motherland deserves the best. The passion and zeal of the Rt Hon Raila Odinga in Pan Africanism is well documented. Passion knows no age, knows no limit. In the person of Rt Hon. Raila, he will join the ranks of Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah in pushing the agenda for Africa.”
Also Read: List of Presidents & Dignitaries Attending Raila’s AUC Bid Launch
President Ruto officially launched Raila’s AUC campaign, where the former premier will face competition from three other candidates, on August 27.
“Hon Raila Odinga is a celebrated statesman whose longevity in leadership has been sustained by an unrelenting devotion to democratic change as the foundation of sustainable freedom and prosperity,” Ruto stated.
Regional leaders from the East African Community were in attendance during the launch in Nairobi, including South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, who currently chairs the EAC.
Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi last week emphasized that President Ruto would lead the effort to secure this influential position for Odinga, highlighting the former Prime Minister’s extensive experience and his comprehensive manifesto.
“It is programmed that next week on August 27, President Ruto will be formally launching the candidacy of the Kenyan candidate in the name of Raila Odinga,” Mudavadi stated in a joint presser with Odinga on Wednesday.
Mudavadi on Raila’s Manifesto
According to Mudavadi, Odinga’s manifesto focuses on critical issues such as climate action, infrastructure development, and youth inclusion—areas expected to resonate with many African leaders.
Also Read: Raila Unveils His Campaign Team for AUC Chairmanship Race
Mudavadi expressed confidence in Kenya’s chances of securing the post, with the election scheduled for February 2025.
The State House event marked the first public meeting between Ruto and Raila concerning the AU elections since Raila’s candidature was officially submitted in Addis Ababa in July.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
