Rigathi Gachagua Tells Raila Odinga Mt Kenya Fears Him: "Ukweli Tunaokuogopa"

• Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expressed Mt. Kenya's apprehensions about ODM leader Raila Odinga during Mau Mau hero John Kiboko's burial
• Gachagua told Raila that they were not against talks but were afraid of a repeat of the handshake between him and Uhuru Kenyatta
• However, the DP said the region respected the former prime minister's contributions towards the second liberation and democracy

Nyandarua - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has confessed to ODM leader Raila Odinga that residents of Mt Kenya fear him.

Unlike any other politician in Kenyan history, the former prime minister has elicited love and hatred almost in equal measure.

Former vice president, the late Wamalwa Kijana, first vividly captured this scenario as the politics of Railaphobia and Railamania, two words that have increasingly described Raila's politics.

Why Mt Kenya is afraid

During the burial of Mau Mau freedom fighter Brigadier John Kiboko in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua county, the DP told Raila that the region is always uneasy about him.

Using an adage, the second in command told Raila they were not against the talks but feared a repeat of the handshake.

Gachagua said if Raila could promise them that the same wouldn't happen, they would be okay with Raila meeting President William Ruto.

"What we are saying is that someone who has been bitten by a black snake, even when they see a black pot, they run away. It's good that I'm telling you today, and you are here and you have raised the matter. We fear you.

When we hear about reconciliation matters, we become afraid. But if you assure us that nothing will happen to our president if you reconcile and continue, then it's fine. But in this area, we are afraid," he said.

Why Mt Kenya respects Raila

In contrast, the DP divulged that the region greatly admired the ODM leader despite not supporting his presidential ambitions most of the time.

Gachagua said Raila's contributions in the fight for second liberation accords him a lot of respect from the vote-rich region.

"But we have no problem with the prime minister. You fought for the second liberation, we respect you. We respect your democratic credentials as a senior citizen, and nobody has any problem," he added.

Gachagua claims Raila has been silenced

In a separate development, the Deputy President claimed that the ODM leader is politically finished.

Gachagua narrated how the former premier had given the Kenya Kwanza government a headache since President William Ruto took power.

According to Gachagua, frequent demonstrations by the opposition leader had made it difficult for Ruto to govern the country effectively.