President William Ruto has opened up about his relationship with former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, ruling out any possibility of working with him again following his impeachment.
Speaking during a candid interview with Taita Leo, Ruto said he is ready to work with other leaders from the United Opposition, apart from Rigathi Gachagua.
“I believe in democracy and here in Kenya, people work with everyone. However, I will not be ready to work with a leader who does not believe in national unity,” President Ruto said.
He emphasized that he cannot work with someone involved in “ethnic discrimination” or who uses words targeting another community.
He also said he has no time for leaders who insult women using abusive language.
The remarks appear to explain why his political relationship with Gachagua broke down, despite the two being key partners in Kenya Kwanza’s 2022 election victory.
President Ruto contrasted his relationship with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he described as “a unique person.”
He said they managed to transform their relationship from political opponents to partners in the broad-based government because they shared a similar vision for Kenya’s future and agreed to put an end to tribalism.
Therefore, the President’s message was not that he does not want to work with opposition leaders, but that such cooperation must be built on the principles of national unity, respect for all communities, the Constitution and putting the interests of the country ahead of ethnic politics.
