Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that his two sons, Kevin Gachagua and Keith Ikinu Rigathi, wanted him to support former President Uhuru Kenyatta during the 2022 general elections.
Speaking in Bomet on Sunday, June 30, Gachagua said his sons wanted him to stop supporting President William Ruto and leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party before the general elections.
Gachagua said Kevin and Keith held a meeting with him and their mother, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, urging him to change his political allegiance.
“We had a lot of conflicts with the government, and my sons saw that I was going to be mistreated. They called a meeting. The four of us, together with Pastor Dorcas, met and they asked me to change my political allegiance, stating it was going to destroy the family,” Gachagua said.
The DP explained that the discussion led to a vote where the two sons voted for him to leave UDA, while Pastor Dorcas said he should stick with Ruto.
“I stood firm and rejected their calls. I decided to stick with Ruto since I knew he was heading somewhere. Pastor Dorcas supported me, we voted, and it was two against two. As the Chairman of the meeting, I had the casting vote, so I voted, and we decided to follow Ruto,” he said.
Gachagua mentioned that the boys embraced democracy, and they all agreed to continue supporting Ruto.
He recalled experiencing many problems at home because he went against the wish of the then-President Uhuru.
During the elections, President Uhuru supported Azimio leader Raila Odinga who was running against his then deputy.
Also Read: Gachagua Pleads with Kenyans, Breaks Silence on Ksh2 M Offered to MPs
Gachagua Applauds Gen Z
Besides, he stated that the government would listen to the youth who protested against the Finance Bill 2024.
Gachagua said the calls made by Gen Z cannot be ignored since they are part and parcel of the nation.
“When they have issues, we cannot ignore them; we must listen. They are the future and present of this country. This country belongs to them, so if we don’t listen to them, who will we listen to?” he said.
Also Read: Ruto Receives More Demands Regarding Anti-Finance Bill Protests
He thanked President Ruto for listening to the young people and the majority of Kenyans and withdrawing the Finance Bill.
“I have asked the two Gen Z in my home (the two sons) to create a forum because they know these things so that I start listening to the youth and become a better person,” he added.
The DP explained that the government should combine the knowledge of the youth with the experience of older people to move the country forward.
He pledged to listen to the demands of Gen Z as an individual and through the forum created by the President.
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