Nyandarua Senator John Methu has fired back at Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga after announcing that the ODM party won’t be friends with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s allies.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 22, Senator Methu accused Wanga of unfairly targeting Gachagua.
The Nyandarua Senator reminded Governor Wanga that Raila championed for freedom of association to be enshrined in the 2010 constitution.
Senator Methu said no one can dictate who others choose to align with, saying they are free to be friends with anyone.
“Gladys Wanga, you’ve mentioned Rigathi Gachagua more than the accused in your statement. But what caught my attention was your statement that Rigathi, his allies, and his supporters cannot be your friends.
“I want to assume you meant your family, not your party. One of the fundamental rights that Raila Odinga got us in the new constitution is the freedom of association. We shall be friends with everyone,” said Methu.
The Nyandarua Senator further accused Governor Wanga of allegedly organizing goons to attack Gachagua.
“Who would want a character who can organize goons to hurt Rigathi Gachagua in a solemn national function, such as the sendoff of one of Kenya’s greatest sons, Raila. Who does that? You can hate Riggy G all you want, Gladys, but he responds with love,” Methu added.
Speaking on Wednesday morning during a press conference in Kisumu, Governor Wanga said the ODM party will not associate with Gachagua’s acquaintances.
This was after Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga made remarks suggesting that he was celebrating the death of Raila.
“Anyone who associates with Gachagua and his ilk, like Kahiga, cannot be our friend. The line is drawn.
“They cannot be our friends whether they are in the party or outside our party. Kahiga has drawn the line to mock Raila in his death. The principle is the friend of your enemy is your enemy,” said Wanga.
The Homa Bay Governor also alleged that Governor Kahiga acted as Gachagua’s spokesperson and made the remarks about Raila on his behalf.
“What I know is that Kahiga does not speak for himself. Kahiga is the Spokesperson of Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua mocked Raila’s illness and asked whether he was a virus and whether Kalonzo was a bacterium,” she alleged.
