DP Gachagua tells Odinga to forget 'handshake' and embrace the bipartisan talks

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [Standard]

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now says that not all demands by the Azimio la Umoja- One Kenya coalition will be addressed by the Parliamentary bipartisan talks committee.

Speaking in Kipipiri Sub-county in Nyandarua, Gachagua ruled out any plans by Ruto to share the government with Odinga, urging him to respect the outcome of the last General Election and allow the country to move forward.

"They are demanding that we open the servers. The president and I do not even know where it is. The commissioners who resigned voluntarily cannot be reinstated either" he said.

Gachagua challenged Opposition leader Raila Odinga to embrace the talks initiated by President William Ruto and forget about a 'handshake'.

"The electorate are our employers and have advised us that we should not allow a handshake with the opposition. Who are we to go against the wishes of our bosses? the DP posed.

Gachagua maintained that the government will not allow disruptive demonstrations, which the opposition has been holding in Nairobi, saying the State will continue to protect the lives and property of Kenyans from the threats posed by the demonstrations.

"You saw what happened last time which forced them to call off the demos. The government will protect the lives and property of its people. Let them seek other means to sort their problems," said Gachagua.

Parliamentary bipartisan talks between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja committees are expected to resume after Eldas MP Adan Keynan recused himself following demands by the opposition.

The Azimio la Umoja coalition council has given a time frame of 30 days for the talks to be concluded after commencement.

Odinga has also demanded a reduction in fuel prices, as well as a reduction in school fees.

He is also seeking a forensic audit of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to determine the winner of the 2022 Presidential election.

Also in the Azimio demands include the enactment of legislation to address electoral, governance, and economic gaps identified during the inquiry for consideration by the House as appropriate.

The Deputy President was in the county to present foodstuff and building materials to people affected by mudslides last week.

Gachagua was accompanied by among others Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, Woman Representative Faith Gitau, MPs Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), David Kiaraho (Ol' Kalou), and his counterpart Michael Muchira (Ol' Jororok).