Gachagua to Ruto: ‘We have an agenda, but first we must beat you’

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has promised to maintain the newfound unity with Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka to ensure the ouster of President William Ruto from power in the next General Election.

Mr Gachagua said he remained indebted to Mr Musyoka for marshaling his party members to vote against his impeachment in the National Assembly and in the Senate.

Speaking at the Gospel Confirmation Center in Machakos during a church service on Sunday, Mr Gachagua said was grateful for the support and would return the kind gesture when the time comes.

"We remain forever indebted to the leadership of the people of Ukambani. You stood with me during my impeachment. We will not forget… we will show gratitude," said Mr Gachagua.

He said the division between the people of Mt. Kenya region and ukambani had cost the region politically but there was now no turning back on the new-found unity.

Mr Gachagua responded to President Ruto who claimed the opposition had no agenda other than talking about him.

Gachagua said they had many plans to restore the country back to prosperity but the foremost plan was to remove the incumbent President from power.

"We have plans, but the foremost is to remove you from power. We plan to restore the dignity of the payslip, end corruption and extrajudicial killings, but the prerequisite is to remove you first from power. Just relax, we will deal with you," said Mr Gachagua.

He said they were not bothered by the political direction which ODM leader would take because they had numbers on their side to guarantee victory in the first round.

"Even if Raila Odinga wants to join President Ruto, well and good. We are not desperate for him. We've looked at the numbers and the numbers are good. We will remove him with or without Mr Odinga," said the former Deputy President who was accompanied by several MPs from the Mt Kenya region. 

They were welcomed by Machakos County Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi and Wiper Party Members of Parliament.

Various speakers at the event urged Mr Odinga to weigh his options carefully adding that whatever his decision, the die was already cast on the removal of President Ruto from power.

Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa urged Mr Odinga not join forces with Dr Ruto, claiming his leadership is tainted.

His sentiments were shared by Kitui County Senator Enoch Wambua.

"We respect Raila Odinga… We've come a long way together, but we want to tell him the hands of the government which he wants to work with are tainted," said Mr Wambua.

Former Machakos Town MP Dr Victor Munyaka thanked Members of Parliament who stood with Mr Gachagua during his impeachment motion and also thanked Mr Gachagua for visiting Ukambani to appreciate MPs from the region who stood with him.