The former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared the Kalenjin community as a “solid ally” of the GEMA community and that the two communities will continue working together for Kenya’s progress.
Speaking in an interview with Kalenjin Media stations, Gachagua said the enemy of GEMA is President Ruto, his former boss and not the whole community. “I have no problem with the Kalenjin community; they have not wronged me even once”. He stated.
He clarified that his fallout with President William Ruto should not be viewed as a conflict with the Kalenjin nation. He claimed that while the community supported the current administration, they have been “shortchanged” regarding development projects like roads and water.
Gachagua He also sought to assuage fears that he would sideline the community if his opposition outfit dethrones President Ruto in 2027.
“Rais alipitishwa na kura ya Mlima na ya Wakalenjin…sasa nikamwuliza rais, kama tumesahau hawa Wakalenjin, walikuvumilia miaka tano, wewe umechukua kila kitu ukapelekea Nyanza, hutembelei hawa watu…ukija Kericho, Bomet, unakuja interdenomination…mbona hukuji kufungua project? Mimi nilimwuliza,” he said.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said the Kalenjin community, despite having the President hail from their region, has largely been neglected,
“Hawa wakalenjin hawana mtetezi; wabunge wamenyamaza, masenator pia wamenyamaza, nani atatetea hao?” He posed.
He said that while he fell out with his former boss, his relationship with the Kalenjin nation remaines unscathed, seeking to allay fears that he would lock them out of government were he to form it in the next elections.
“There is no one who will discriminate against the Kalenjins. They have not wronged anyone. We have a problem with one person, whom we will remove from power when the time comes. Kalenjins are good people. They have worked and developed this country. Just because Ruto has wronged us, it doesn’t mean the whole Kalenjin community has done it,” he said.
At the same time, Gachagua says he will be visiting parts of Kalenjin land enroute to his engagements in Kisii next week.
