Kenyans have been abuzz with speculation following the emergence of photos showing ODM leader Raila Odinga meeting with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The two leaders boarded the same plane to Nairobi from Mombasa on Friday, September 16 and their photos sparked political speculation.
Raila and Rigathi are said to have bumped into each other at the VIP lounge in Moi International Airport in the coastal city as they waited to catch a flight back to Nairobi. This is according to Makau Mutua, who was the spokesperson of the Azimio presidential campaigns.
Mutua revealed that the two leaders exchanged pleasantries before they departed Mombasa. He further clarified that the meeting was coincidental as the two leaders had traveled to Mombasa for different missions.
“Honourable Rigathi Gachagua and Honourable Raila Odinga bumped into each other at the VIP lounge of the Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Both were traveling back to Nairobi in the morning. I understand they exchanged pleasantries,” Makau said.
In reference to the meeting, Rigathi Gachagua stated his pleasure in meeting the opposition chief who he described as a “senior citizen.” The description has also elicited a reaction among Kenyans.
A section of Kenyans see Rigathi’s reference as a sarcastic call on the former premier to retire from opposition politics, while others see it as a sign of respect.
“We have tremendous respect for our senior citizens. I was delighted this morning to have a tete-a-tete with our senior citizen, former Prime Minister Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga in Mombasa,” DP Rigathi stated.
Rigathi Gachagua and Raila Odinga
Gachagua was in Mombasa for the induction of governors on Thursday, September 15, where he represented President William Ruto.
On the other hand, Raila had just jetted back from Zanzibar where he was on retreat with his family. He unexpectedly showed up at a luncheon organized by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
Raila headed to a parliamentary group meeting with Azimio la Umoja leaders. The Kenya Kwanza Coalition was also slated to convene a parliamentary group meeting to deliberate on a strategy to divide house leadership slots.
More updates to follow…
