Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka against long-standing claims of indecisiveness, asserting instead that the “watermelon” label applies to ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking in Kitengela on Sunday after a church service in Kajiado County, Gachagua accused Raila of repeatedly collaborating with rivals following election defeats, contrasting him with Kalonzo, whom he said has remained steadfast.
“Raila has played Kalonzo for 14 years; he even interviewed him for a running mate position, but Kalonzo has never betrayed him. Kalonzo has had a stand from day one,” Gachagua said.
He cited Raila’s alliances with former presidents Daniel Moi in 1997, Mwai Kibaki in 2007, Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017, and President William Ruto in 2022 as evidence of the ODM leader’s shifting loyalties. “The real watermelon is Raila. So, the tag you gave Kalonzo now belongs to you,” he added.
Gachagua also revealed that several United Opposition leaders had been approached to join the government but declined. He singled out DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, saying he had been offered a cabinet position but turned it down. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Gachagua claimed, had reaffirmed his commitment to the opposition team.
“Between myself, Kalonzo, Wamalwa, Natembeya, and Martha Karua, these five leaders cannot betray the people of Kenya. Among us, we shall identify one candidate to challenge President Ruto,” he said.
Kalonzo, speaking alongside Gachagua, expressed gratitude for the endorsement and reiterated his commitment to unity and public service. “I have always stood with the people. Yes, I have been betrayed many times, but my faith in God and my resolve to serve Kenya have never wavered. I remain committed to a united, prosperous, and just nation where leadership is about service, not self-interest,” he said.
The leaders were joined by Wamalwa and several MPs affiliated with both Wiper and Gachagua’s Democratic Change Party during the Kitengela visit.
