Junet Mohamed Dismisses Gachagua's Claims, Labels Him an "Embarrassment" While Eyeing Ruto Talks

In a fiery television interview, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has vehemently denied allegations from allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that he secretly collaborated to undermine Raila Odinga’s presidential ambitions. Instead, Junet launched a blistering personal attack on Gachagua, dismissing any possibility of political engagement with his party.

The claims were initially advanced by Cleophas Malala, the deputy party leader of Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Malala alleged that Junet maintained covert links with President William Ruto during the 2022 General Election, holding late-night meetings to relay intelligence on ODM operations.

Junet, speaking on Citizen TV, rejected the accusations outright. "I never worked with Gachagua at any point," he stated, ruling out any present or future dealings between ODM and the DCP. He turned his criticism directly on the former deputy president, describing him and his camp as dishonest. "It is an embarrassment to be associated with Gachagua," Junet declared. "The only truth we know is that he is the husband of Dorcas Rigathi; anything else is a lie."

The Suna East MP accused Gachagua of "double speak," alleging he was behind police brutality during past post-election protests where Raila Odinga’s convoy was targeted. He also dismissed Gachagua’s recent claims that President Ruto was plotting to weaken ODM, insisting Gachagua had no genuine interest in the party's future.

Junet was unequivocal in shutting the door on Gachagua's faction. “We cannot discuss anything with DCP. What is there to discuss with Rigathi Gachagua? He is the only impeached deputy president in Africa, and all he talks about are communities or shares. His mental faculties need to be checked,” he said.

Shifting focus to ODM's political strategy, Junet revealed the party's immediate priority is negotiations with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election. He clarified that ODM would only support President Ruto if the talks yielded a mutually beneficial agreement, otherwise, the party would seek alternative alliances.

Amidst the political maneuvering, Junet reflected on ODM's repeated electoral setbacks, arguing that powerful forces in Kenya were never willing to see Raila Odinga become president. He added that some political allies had failed to fully mobilize grassroots support despite holding positions of power.

The exchange marks a significant escalation in political rhetoric, deepening the rift between ODM and the faction led by its former ally, Rigathi Gachagua, while placing potential future negotiations with the ruling party squarely in the public spotlight.