Raila rejects claims he needs Gachagua’s support to win presidency in 2027
Gachagua had previously extended an olive branch to Raila, expressing willingness to work together in a political alliance. However, Raila has continued to emphasise the need for unity and peace in the country rather than focusing on the 2027 elections.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed suggestions that he needs former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s support to win a presidential election.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader was responding to remarks by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who advised him to team up with Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka if he wants to secure victory in the 2027 polls.
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“You can only become president if you run in 2027. Gachagua is ready to support you. If you support Ruto, be ready to play second fiddle. Support Gachagua and Kalonzo, and you will become president,” Senator Nyutu said.
However, Raila dismissed the suggestion, saying he does not need Gachagua’s backing to win an election. He insisted that he has always secured victory but was never declared the winner.
“Senator Nyutu says I can become president if I join hands with Rigathi… I have been winning all this time but have never been declared the winner. You know what has been happening,” Raila said on Saturday.
The ODM party leader reiterated his call for election transparency, saying the truth about past elections lies in the servers.
“That is why we have been advocating for the election servers to be opened because we know that is where the truth lies. However, the most important thing is that Kenya is bigger than all of us,” Raila added.
Gachagua had previously extended an olive branch to Raila, expressing willingness to work together in a political alliance. However, Raila has continued to emphasise the need for unity and peace in the country rather than focusing on the 2027 elections.
Raila spoke at the funeral of retired Colonel James Gitahi in Maanzoni, Machakos, on Saturday, March 15. His remarks come amid speculation of secret meetings between his allies and Gachagua.
On the same day, Professor Makau Mutua dismissed claims that he had met Gachagua for political discussions.
“Just to set the record straight. I met neither Rigathi Gachagua nor former AG Githu Muigai at Sarvid Gardens yesterday. I’ve never met Gachagua, and have no such plans,” Mutua stated via X.
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