Speaking on Saturday evening during the Ngemi Cia Watho event held at Thika Green Resort in Murang’a County, Gachagua spoke humorously but with a serious message.
He said that while the late Raila Odinga built his strength through intelligent and loyal allies, Mt. Kenya politicians have not shown the same unity or vision.
“Raila surrounded himself with great minds like James Orengo, Otiende Amollo, Edwin Sifuna, Peter Kaluma, Millie Odhiambo, and Babu Owino,” Gachagua said, drawing loud applause from the audience.
He praised Raila for staying politically strong for more than 30 years despite never winning the presidency.
Gachagua then compared Raila’s team with those elected from Mt. Kenya.
“If you look at Raila’s team — Orengo, Kajwang, Omondi, Kaluma, Sifuna, Madzayo, Odhiambo, Ojienda, Faki, and Babu Owino — those are sharp people. Then look at ours: Wamatangi, Wamakeki… my people, your leader is in trouble,” he said as the crowd burst into laughter.
His remarks, though lighthearted, appeared to criticize the kind of leadership coming from the Mt. Kenya region.
He suggested that the region lacks the kind of strong, intelligent, and loyal politicians needed to push their common interests.
The former deputy president has in the past accused some local leaders of betrayal, claiming they abandoned him after he fell out with President William Ruto.
Gachagua has been calling for unity among Mt. Kenya leaders to defend the region’s political and economic future.
His latest comments have caused mixed reactions online. Some Kenyans praised him for being honest and speaking the truth about the state of Mt. Kenya politics, while others accused him of disrespecting fellow leaders.
