‘We welcome him on board’ – Eugene Wamalwa lays red carpet for Gachagua as opposition galvanise against Ruto
Eugene Wamalwa has explained the presence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who joined the Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leaders in unveiling the party’s new offices on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Wamalwa has hinted at a major coalition from opposition parties in a deal that will likely incorporate the ousted deputy president, who graced the event.
Speaking during an appearance on a local radio show on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Wamalwa justified Gachagua’s attendance, terming it as being within the rights he enjoys as a Kenyan citizen.
Political rivals
Two years ago, the pair were in rival camps as the Azimio la Umoja coalition and Kenya Kwanza proposed different manifestos to Kenyans with hopes of forming the government in 2022.
However, a change of events led to Gachagua unceremoniously being kicked out of the government two years into his tenure as the second deputy president of Kenya.
Eugene Wamalwa: We have been on the streets, we have fought for Kenyans. There are several issues we have taken to court. The only issue we haven't succeeded in is the SHA issue. The matter is still in court and Senator Omtatah is following it up.#TheSituationRoom
— SpiceFM (@SpiceFMKE) January 28, 2025
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The former Defence Cabinet Secretary has commented on the newfound friendship as the party warms up to Gachagua as a potential partner in their next political path.
“Rigathi is a Kenyan. He enjoys all the constitutional rights and freedoms as a citizen, though he is no longer a DP; he holds the most important office: that of a citizen. It’s said to be the most important office, as this is where sovereign power lies and is only donated to the leaders,” Wamalwa said.
Besides the former Mathira MP, Wamalwa has further signaled the party plans to engage more political players.
“He was kicked out, but he’s still a politician who believes in his democratic right to associate with others. He has made his own decision to join us in the opposition. Yesterday (Monday, January 27, 2025), he joined us. We welcome him on board, and others too will be coming. Azimio split up, but we started the formation of a new coalition, and he decided to join,” the former Saboti legislature added.
Season of alliances
Among the politicians being courted for the alliance are Martha Karua of NARC Kenya and Party of National Unity (PNU) leader, Peter Munya.
Rigathi’s inclusion bodes well with the broader strategy by the opposition to mount a united front against President William Ruto in the coming 2027 elections.
The president has seemingly shifted his attention to the western part of the country after his fallout with Gachagua.
However, the split is threatening his support in the Mt. Kenya region bloc, which provided the bulk of the votes that earned him his presidency.