DP Gachagua: President Ruto will only sit down with Raila to discuss his retirement

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday once again ruled out the possibility of any handshake with opposition chief Raila Odinga.

DP Gachagua said the only negotiation they are willing to engage in with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader is on how he should retire and exit politics.

These sentiments come at a time the international community and religious leaders are pushing for dialogue between President William Ruto and Mr. Odinga.

“We tell Raila Odinga, you have been unfair to this country. It is about time you made a decision and come, sit down with President William Ruto and discuss one agenda only, your exit from the Kenyan political space and permanent retirement from politics," said DP Gachagua.

Gachagua, speaking when he presided over the flagging-off of 500 young sea farers from Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa County who are headed for international jobs in the sector across the globe, condemned the looting and destruction of businesses by the opposition protesters and urged Kenyans to ignore calls to violence.

“He is encouraging young people to loot property and throw stones to other people and cause chaos mayhem. As we speak, Azimio demonstrations have been left in Kisumu and Kibra,” stated the DP.

“We want to ask the people of Kisumu and Kibra to call themselves for a small meeting and ask themselves what they are up to. When the rest of Kenyans have moved on, you’re just there being used by somebody for his own selfish ends.”

On the ongoing push by the international community and local religious leaders for dialogue, Gachagua said that should be within the confines of the law.

“We have told our international partners who have been pushing us to sit with Raila Odinga...we have told church leaders we‘re willing to sit with him, but not to force his way to government,” he said.

“We’re telling our friends we can’t violate the Constitution and we’re telling our friend Raila Odinga the only way you can get into government is through the ballot.”

With the six counties in the coast region having been calm since the demonstrations kicked off last week, the DP and his team urged the region to maintain peace.