Gachagua: Ruto abused Raila for 9 years, he now says how he was good

A fresh political storm is brewing after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused President William Ruto of shifting his political messaging, claiming the Head of State has turned his attacks from opposition leader Raila Odinga to him.

Speaking during a live media interview on March 25, Gachagua said the President had spent years criticising Raila but is now portraying him in a more positive light. 

According to Gachagua, the change reflects political convenience rather than genuine transformation.

He argued that for nearly a decade, Ruto used strong language against Raila while campaigning across the country. 

However, he now says the President is praising both Raila and the Luo community, even as he directs sharp criticism toward him.

Gachagua claimed he has become the new target of sustained political attacks, particularly during the President’s recent visits to the Nyanza region. 

He described the situation as a pattern, suggesting that Ruto focuses his criticism on whoever poses the biggest political challenge at a given time.

In a candid moment during the interview, Gachagua admitted he had previously joined in attacks against Raila. 

However, he distanced himself from responsibility, saying he was following a broader campaign strategy led by Ruto at the time.

He compared the political campaign to a choir, explaining that Ruto acted as the leader who set the tone, while others simply followed. 

According to him, the messaging used against Raila was not personally driven but coordinated from the top.

Gachagua said the political environment has since changed, and he now plays a different role. 

He described himself as a leader with a new message, insisting that his current stance reflects shifting political realities rather than inconsistency.

When questioned about public trust, he maintained that it is up to citizens to decide whether to believe him. He emphasized that voters have the freedom to listen, evaluate, and make their own judgments.

The former deputy president also rejected claims that he has personally attacked communities, stating that past remarks were part of a wider political narrative at the time.

He maintained that he merely echoed what had already been framed by party leadership.

He further argued that earlier criticism of Raila should be understood within the context of political competition. 

According to him, elections often bring out intense rhetoric as rivals battle for influence and support.

Gachagua now believes he occupies the same position Raila once held as a key opponent to the President. He suggested that this explains why he has become the focus of current political attacks.

Despite facing criticism over some of his remarks, Gachagua remained unapologetic. He insisted he had no regrets and stood by his statements, even when pressed on issues of tone and appropriateness.

The interview came shortly after he alleged attempts to block his planned engagement with Luo audiences through local radio stations. 

He claimed there were efforts to interfere with the broadcast and limit his access to the community.

Gachagua called for equal political space, urging authorities to allow all leaders to communicate freely with citizens. He said open dialogue is essential in a democratic society and should not be restricted.

The ongoing exchange between Gachagua and Ruto highlights deepening political divisions, with both leaders engaging in increasingly sharp public criticism.