With or without the backing of seasoned opposition leader Raila Odinga, the Gikuyu, Embu, Meru, and Akamba (GEMA) communities will be the driving force behind Kenya’s next administration, according to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
During a Sunday church service in Machakos, Gachagua said he was confident that GEMA will soon be able to control the nation’s political scene.
“GEMA ndiyo dawa ya Kenya. GEMA itaunda the next government,” Gachagua stated.
He reassured his followers that they had enough people to win by a landslide and that their political plan was sound. “We have examined the figures, and they are sound whether or not he [Raila] is present.”
Gachagua also attacked President William Ruto, saying that Raila Odinga’s influence is currently necessary for Ruto to remain in power.
“Life support machine ya Ruto ni Raila saa hii. Akizima, amekwisha,” he claimed, predicting that Ruto would struggle to retain his position in the 2027 general elections. “Ruto atakuwa number 3 ama number 4 2027,” he added.
Gachagua asserted in a series of audacious claims that GEMA’s unity would ensure their political supremacy for the ensuing century.
“We will rule for the next 100 years if we band together as GEMA,” he said.
He made these comments a few days after implying that he might be open to working with Raila Odinga to intensify efforts to overthrow President William Ruto in the general election of 2027.
A broad-based cabinet comprising several of Raila’s most important allies is part of the new agreement that he and Ruto have negotiated.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, Gachagua has been interacting with political figures, including those in opposition, since his impeachment from Ruto’s administration in October.
Gachagua was questioned about his willingness to accept Odinga in his new coalition on Wednesday in an interview with Kamba radio stations and Musyi FM, the sister outlet of Citizen Digital.
Gachagua retorted, “I don’t understand Raila’s intentions; it is up to him whether he wants to join the cause of liberating this country or be with Ruto and weaken his political legacy.”
Gachagua has met with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), and the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K)’s Eugene Wamalwa, among others, in his bid to form a strong opposition coalition ahead of the next general elections.
