Gachagua rejects Raila’s dialogue proposal, calls for "ballot-based change" in 2027
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed Raila Odinga’s proposal for a national dialogue, insisting that Kenya’s leadership crisis can only be resolved through the ballot in 2027.
Speaking during a meeting with Kenyans in Seattle, Washington State, Gachagua criticised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader’s push for what he termed a "national conclave," calling it yet another attempt by Odinga to manoeuvre into government without bearing responsibility.
“Raila has been involved in every national dialogue, but the problems facing Kenya persist. What we need is not more talk, but transformative leadership,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua further claimed that Raila has a pattern of joining governments after electoral losses, only to distance himself when things go wrong.
“He wants to be in power but avoids responsibility. Now that things are tough for Ruto, Raila is trying to shift blame,” he said.
He accused President William Ruto of being dishonest, ruling out any possibility of meaningful engagement with him. “It is not possible to have any dialogue with William Ruto because the man is a pathological liar."
Dismissing dialogue as ineffective, Gachagua emphasised that meaningful change can only come through the ballot.
“Let’s stop pretending that talking will solve our problems. The dialogue we need is at the ballot box in 2027," he said.
“We need to be patient and persevere. In two years, we’ll have our say at the ballot box. Let’s stop pretending that talking to Ruto will fix anything, he added.
Odinga's proposal for a national conversation followed recent unrest during the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba protests, where demonstrators clashed with police over growing economic and governance concerns.
Speaking during a meeting with Kenyans in Seattle, Washington State, Gachagua criticised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader’s push for what he termed a "national conclave," calling it yet another attempt by Odinga to manoeuvre into government without bearing responsibility.
“Raila has been involved in every national dialogue, but the problems facing Kenya persist. What we need is not more talk, but transformative leadership,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua further claimed that Raila has a pattern of joining governments after electoral losses, only to distance himself when things go wrong.
“He wants to be in power but avoids responsibility. Now that things are tough for Ruto, Raila is trying to shift blame,” he said.
He accused President William Ruto of being dishonest, ruling out any possibility of meaningful engagement with him. “It is not possible to have any dialogue with William Ruto because the man is a pathological liar."
Dismissing dialogue as ineffective, Gachagua emphasised that meaningful change can only come through the ballot.
“Let’s stop pretending that talking will solve our problems. The dialogue we need is at the ballot box in 2027," he said.
“We need to be patient and persevere. In two years, we’ll have our say at the ballot box. Let’s stop pretending that talking to Ruto will fix anything, he added.
Odinga's proposal for a national conversation followed recent unrest during the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba protests, where demonstrators clashed with police over growing economic and governance concerns.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga
2027 general election
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
2027 polls
ODM leader Raila Odinga
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