Gachagua: No engaging Raila until he recognises Ruto presidency

Raila has always affirmed his stance strongly saying the presidential results were rigged.

In Summary
  • Gachagua said the issue of them having a discussion does not even arise because Raila says he does not recognise Ruto as the legitimate president.
  • Raila has time and again said he does not recognise Ruto as a validly elected president.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressing seafarers in Mombasa on March 30, 2023.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressing seafarers in Mombasa on March 30, 2023.
Image: RIGATHI GACHAGUA / TWITTER

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the only way they will engage with Azimio leader Raila Odinga is when he publicly recognises President William Ruto as the president.

Speaking on Sunday during a church service, Gachagua said the issue of them having a discussion does not even arise because Raila says he does not recognise Ruto as the legitimate president.

"Before we can even agree to talk to him, he must first acknowledge in public that President Ruto is the president of Kenya," he said.

The DP said it is the Azimio side who reached out to President Ruto to give them an exit out of the demos. 

"They reached out to President Ruto on Saturday, sent him somebody and said we have come to the end, the international community has abandoned us, people are against us the church we want to call off this demonstration.

"Can you please give us an exit strategy, the president said its okay, no problem go to Parliament and discuss with Kimani Ichung'wah and others and say what your issues are, those people to listen and make a decision, " Gachagua said.

Gachagua went on to say the President called him to make him aware of what Azimio had said and he agreed that they (Azimio) can use the Parliament to air grievances.

"He called me on a Sunday and told me what they had told him. I said fine, let them go talk to parliament but we cannot engage Raila."

Raila has time and again said he does not recognise Ruto as a validly elected president.

He has always affirmed his stance strongly saying the presidential results were rigged.

"We do not recognise the Kenya Kwanza administration as a legitimate government and Ruto as the president or any official in his government," Raila said.


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