Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has told the larger Mulembe Nation that they do not need African Union Chairperson Candidate Raila Odinga to be on national politics.
Speaking during an interview with local based Luhya stations on Tuesday, February 4, Gachagua further urged the community to unite, if they want to have a political say in the next government.
He also reminded the region, that their ‘kingpin’ Raila’s region have fewer votes than the region, which gives them an upper hand in the national politics.
“Mulembe Nation will have a big say in the next government if you’re united. You should come to the negotiation table directly. We don’t understand why Luhyas have to go through Raila to come to the national table. You even have more votes than the Nyanza region!” Gachagua said.
He further revealed his reason for denying the region of the eight cabinet secretaries position he was given, saying he had negotiated for them, and the region has a written agreement and people to negotiate on its behalf.
“I had negotiated for the positions, I could not give out what I had negotiated. Luhyas had written agreement and champions to negotiate for them, that’s why I’m saying you should come directly to the table,” he clarified.
According to Gachagua, former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala’s ouster was unfair decision. He disclosed that Malala’s woes started when he championed for the suppressed position of the community, and was later removed without his knowledge.
Gachagua lauded Malala for standing and popularizing the party in regions that seemed impossible as the Western region was an ODM region.
“It was a wrong decision to remove Malala from the SG position. He did a good job in popularizing the UDA party. His troubles started when he said the people of Western were suffering. I remember our delegation had arrived at 7. 00A.m, only to find out the team met at 5am, when everything was settled,” Gachagua disclosed.
He said, his contribution to the leadership of this country cannot be overlooked, and he will work with Malala.
“He is a visionary leader in the country’s politics and also a strong pillar in Mulembe, we will work together with him,” he said.
Malala has in the recent days stood by the ousted second deputy president, despite attacks from Luhya leaders faulting him to be in support of the tribal king.
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