Raila is irrelevant in politics: Gachagua dismisses national dialogue claims

This past week, Odinga acknowledged that Kenyans are grappling with economic hardships and human rights violations and proposed the establishment of what he termed a 'national conclave' to chart a new path for the country through collective civic engagement and reform.

Speaking to Kenyans residing in Seattle, Washington State, Gachagua claimed Raila was opportunistic in trying to find his way into every administration through dialogue. 

However, he alleged that when things go sour, Raila often distances himself from the mess. 

"Raila is totally irrelevant in the political discourse because every election cycle, he loses and finds his way into government. He wants to be in government but doesn't want responsibility. He is there, but somebody else takes the flak," Gachagua remarked. 

"Right now, he finds things are too hot for Ruto; he tries to distance himself, but if he were a patriotic Kenyan and he meant well for our country, he would disengage from Kasongo, but he's talking when his mouth is full."

The former DP reiterated that the ultimate solution to remove President William Ruto from power is through the 2027 General Election, appealing to Kenyans to persevere in the remaining two years. 

"The dialogue we need is in the ballot box in 2027. Raila has been in every dialogue, but the problems of Kenya don't end. What we need is transformative leadership. It is time we persevere for two years and sort out this matter, once and for all," Gachagua noted.

"Let us agree we have a problem and not try to fix it with half measures. I don't think the Kenyan problem is talking to William Ruto. Even what you will agree will be a lie, so there's nothing we can discuss with him because it cannot work."

Raila's proposal came against the backdrop of the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests, where protesters engaged in running battles with the police. 

This marked a growing public discontent against Ruto’s regime over the rising cost of living and a spate of police crackdowns on government critics and street protests, many of which have resulted in deaths and injuries.