Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in what looks like a change of heart, has thrown his weight behind the candidature of his political arch-rival Raila Odinga in the bid for African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Speaking at State House in Nairobi on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Gachagua termed Raila as Kenya’s finest, now ready to lead the African continent.
“This is a great moment for our country. What a day, what a moment! We are here as a country to unveil Kenya’s finest to go and lead Africa. It’s a proud moment for this country. This is a quest that has brought pride to our nation,” Gachagua stated.
“As a country as we present Raila Odinga to be our candidate it is because Africa our motherland deserves the best. The passion and zeal of Raila Odinga in pan-Africanism is well documented. Passion knows no age, knows no limit. Raila Odinga will join the ranks of Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah in pushing the agenda for Africa.”
Gachagua has termed Raila as a man of great resilience and perseverance, whom he believes will transition from a national leader to an African statesman.
According to Gachagua, his previous political fights with Raila had nothing personal apart from politics.
“Somebody may ask why is Rigathi Gachagua (now supporting Raila Odinga), who has before, had issues with the leadership of Raila Odinga. As a truthful man, I had nothing against him. It’s only that he was competing for the same position with my boss (President William Ruto),” Gachagua said.
“Now that he is going for a bigger seat in Africa, all of us are behind him.”
