‘You’re Partners! Sit, Talk With Ruto Not Media!’ – Gachagua Slams Raila’s Statement
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga for his public comments on the contentious shooting directive.
Gachagua asked him to discuss such matters directly with President William Ruto rather than addressing the public.
Speaking at a Kenyan diaspora engagement session in Seattle, Washington, on Friday, the former DP accused Raila of political doublespeak.
Rigathi Gachagua: Kasongo is a pathological liar. We doubt his real name is William Ruto. He belongs to the same conmanship group as Raila. pic.twitter.com/R8ZOBUwWAq
— Cornelius Kariuki Ronoh (@itskipronoh) July 12, 2025
He questioned why someone claiming to be a partner in Kenya’s Kwanza administration would openly critique a government decision rather than through internal means.
“I’ve seen Raila Odinga castigating the shoot-to-kill order. How can he? President William Ruto is his partner,” Gachagua stated.
“Why is he addressing him through the press? They are brothers. They should sit, talk, and agree that this is wrong and stop it.”
He added: “This is your brother. You say you work together. Go to his office, drink tea, and ask to stop it.”
Raila Odinga has been in every dialogue, but the problems of Kenya don't end. The dialogue that we need is in the ballot in 2027 – Rigathi Gachagua. pic.twitter.com/GvQLLpDQBt
— NairobiLeo.co.ke (@Nairobi_Leo) July 12, 2025
His Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has slammed the former Prime Minister’s criticism of suspected shoot-to-kill orders given to police.
He argued that the ODM leader had demonstrated hypocrisy and involvement in state atrocities.
DCP published a statement Friday evening calling Raila’s views “factually untenable, disingenuous, and contradictory.”
The party contended that as a key member of the Kenya Kwanza administration, Raila is directly responsible for its activities.
“Raila’s assertions are factually untenable, disingenuous, and contradictory,” DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malalah said.
This came after Raila stated that such measures violate the Constitution and the principles of fairness.
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“In a protest or any other environment that requires law enforcement, all the above orders to shoot to kill, maim, disorient, or shock citizens are wrong,” Raila said.
Raila encouraged the administration and police to prioritize lawful arrests and court appearances over the use of disproportionate or lethal force.
“Let’s prioritise arrests and arraignment in courts over the killing, maiming, or brutalising of suspects,” he added.
“This preserves the dignity and respects the human rights of suspects while at the same time confers credibility to the actions of the State.”
‘You’re Partners! Sit, Talk With Ruto Not Media!’ – Gachagua Slams Raila’s Statement
