Philip Etale, the Communications director of ODM, has disapproved the new-found alliance between Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka.
Musyoka has been siding with Gachagua ever since reports of his impeachment emerged and finally when he was kicked out of office. Together with other opposition leaders, it is believed that the the two will be teaming up in a bid to challenge William Ruto in 2027.
In a long social media post, Etale narrated events of 2023 demonstrations that nearly cost the life of Kalonzo. The incident was due to Gachagua’s order. At the time, Gachagua was in charge because president William Ruto was out of the country on official duties.
“The Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, perhaps you may have forgotten one incident that almost took you out courtesy of Riggy G’s firm orders. My car was two, behind yours as we demonstrated in 2023 over the high cost of living. The procession snaked through Riverside, on to Pangani then to Juja Road. The reception by angry and hungry Kenyans was enormous,” Raila’s ally stated.
According to Etale, as they joined masses in protests, anti-riot police accosted them but they defiantly proceeded with protests.
” As we defiantly continued with the processions with DJ Spider playing music of encouragement, the cops lobbed several tear gas canisters into your car shuttering the back shield and windows. You for some minutes passed out because of the gas that had filled your car. Your security personnel with the help of some youths helped you out. You came out of the vehicle in a bad state,” he went on.
Etale added that after the incident, he was admitted to hospital for a whole month due to a past history of covid saying that he wouldn’t even dare to have a sit down with Gachagua.
“Surely, with that experience and going by stories were had from the police that HE Hon. Rigathi Gachagua gave explicit instructions to deal with demonstrators and even ‘if possible’ take some out, I will be the last person to sit down with him, nay you Your Excellency,” he said.
Recently, when claims emerged that Gachagua was being sought after an explosive interview against the president, Kalonzo was among those who accused government of intimidating the former second in command.
“This intimidation of the Opposition must stop. Mr Ruto, if you want to arrest Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Do it the right way; follow the law. We are prepared to produce DP Gachagua before the DCI. Please stop abducting Kenyans and their leaders. Abductions are primitive and cowardly,” the Wiper Party leader said.
His remarks came after lawyers revealed that Gachagua’s residences in Karen and Wamunyoro had been raided by DCI.
