- Gachagua defended Kalonzo against indecisiveness claims, saying the “watermelon” label fits Raila.
- He accused Raila of shifting alliances with Moi, Kibaki, Uhuru, and Ruto after election losses.
- Kalonzo praised for loyalty and consistency despite betrayals.
- Gachagua named Wamalwa, Natembeya, Karua, Kalonzo, and himself as leaders who won’t betray Kenyans.
- The Kitengela church event brought together Wiper, DAP-K, and Democratic Change Party leaders.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed the long-standing “watermelon” tag placed on Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, saying it should instead be used to describe ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking after a church service in Kitengela, Kajiado County, on Sunday, Gachagua said Kalonzo has remained firm over the years, while Raila has repeatedly shifted ground after losing elections.
According to Gachagua, Raila has “played” Kalonzo for over a decade, even subjecting him to an interview for the running mate slot. Despite this, Kalonzo never betrayed Raila.
“Raila has played Kalonzo for 14 years; he even interviewed him for a running mate position, but Kalonzo has never betrayed him. Kalonzo has had a stand from day one,” Gachagua said.
He cited Raila’s partnerships with former presidents Daniel Moi in 1997, Mwai Kibaki in 2007, Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017, and William Ruto in 2022 as proof of his shifting loyalties.
Gachagua told Raila the indecisive image he once attached to Kalonzo now fits him better.
“The real watermelon is Raila. So, the tag you gave Kalonzo now belongs to you,” he said.
The former DP also disclosed that some opposition leaders had been approached to join the government but declined. He pointed to DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, who he said turned down a cabinet job, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who affirmed loyalty to the opposition.
Gachagua said he, Kalonzo, Wamalwa, Natembeya, and Martha Karua were united and would eventually rally behind a single presidential candidate to face President Ruto in the next polls.
Kalonzo, who spoke alongside Gachagua, welcomed the endorsement and stressed his belief in unity and service.
“I have always stood with the people. Yes, I have been betrayed many times, but my faith in God and my resolve to serve Kenya have never wavered. I remain committed to a united, prosperous, and just nation where leadership is about service, not self-interest,” Kalonzo said.
The Kitengela event was attended by Kalonzo, Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, and MPs allied to both Wiper and Gachagua’s Democratic Change Party, marking a show of solidarity within the opposition camp.
