Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed remarks by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa suggesting that he could be recalled to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 4, during an interview with Western Kenya radio stations, Gachagua criticized Barasa, calling him an arrogant young lawmaker engaging in unnecessary political talk.
“Those are just young people who are arrogant and engage in unnecessary talk. I am not in the same age group as that young man. I am a national leader with millions of supporters,” Gachagua stated.
The former Deputy President further claimed that President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government had lost ground in the Mt Kenya region since his removal, leaving the administration frustrated.
“They thought that if they removed me, people would forget within two weeks. But now, the entire Mt Kenya region is gone. That is why the president was very angry while in Western, insulting me, attacking me, and calling me a tribalist,” he said.
Barasa had earlier suggested that Gachagua could rejoin UDA after undergoing political “reform,” saying he was ousted due to his conduct but could still be accommodated in a different role.
“We will bring Rigathi Gachagua back if we need him. He was only deemed unsuitable to serve as Deputy President, but he can still be a voter and a member of our coalition. By 2027, we hope he will have reformed. We will reinstate his UDA membership and find him another role that suits him,” Barasa said.
