Kenya Kwanza deputy presidential candidate Rigathi Gachagua and Martha Karua of Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition went head to head in the second phase of the August general election running mates debate at the Catholic University of East Africa on Tuesday.
Journalists Sophia Wanuna of KTN and James Smart of NTV were the event’s moderators.
The issue of corruption and integrity took center stage as the aspiring deputy presidential candidates ripped off one another politically and ideologically.
Addressing the matter of resilience and ability to withstand challenges in public office, Gachagua accused Karua of having the history of running away from real issues when they arise.
“Martha Karua quit president Mwai Kibaki’s government when he was in trouble and Raila Odinga was making life impossible for him. Any leader who couldn’t work with Mwai Kibaki, I have serious doubt they can work with anyone else”
On why his chief, the Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate William Ruto did not resign when they were reading from the same script with President Uhuru Kenyatta in matters national leadership, Gachagua said;
“Ruto was elected by the people of Kenya that’s why Azimio cannot push him out. If he was not, he could have been sacked long time ago and Gideon Moi appointed.”
He further alleged that President Uhuru Kenyatta is seeking to remain in power behind Azimio La Umoja political outfit.
“The truth of the matter is that the role of Uhuru in Azimio is to craft his own succession and govern Kenya from the outside. Martha Karua has been assigned the role to protect his interests and that of his family.”
Clarifying the reports of him looting from public coffers, Gachagua defended himself by saying the case against him is state sponsored because he did not support the 2018 handshake between President Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after the 2017 disputed election.
Rigathi Gachagua poked holes in his investigation as he declares his wealth – KSh. 800M.
“My account did not receive KSh. 5B, that is propaganda… when you send policemen to investigate, they do not understand accounts.”
He further accused Martha Karua of Azimio of once being mentioned in a corruption scandal before, dismissing her clean bill of account in public office.
“A British newspaper accused Martha Karua of receiving a bribe from BAT but i cannot accuse her of being corrupt. We need to allow independent institutions to fight corruption, Gachagua said.
On her part, Martha Karua unleashed a counter attack on Rigathi Gachagua in a bold manner.
She responded to the accusations or her resigning from her role in the former government of the late President Mwai Kibaki.
“Those who do not have principles cannot envisage resigning. It’s dishonest to continue to take a public salary and enjoy all the privileges that come with office when you know you cannot deliver.”
She further declined the allegations that Raila Odinga and his Azimio La Umoja brigade is state sponsored to run the campaigns ahead of the August general election.
“Let nobody forget there is no political operator who can mobilize more than Raila Odinga, I also personally do not need help to mobilize I’ve been in this game for 30 years when Mr Gachagua was still a D.O.”
“It is true that Raila and I are projects, but projects of the people of Kenya. I was competitively selected, unlike my friend who was hand-picked.
“I represent the Azimio hope for this country, we are out to rescue this country from the stranglehold of corruption. We intend to help citizens get their country back.”
Next is the Presidential candidates debate on July 26th.
