DP Gachagua explains why he and President Ruto support MP Jalang’o
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has shared his and President Ruto’s admiration for Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o.
Speaking at a women’s empowerment event organised by Jalang’o in Lang’ata at Nyayo Stadium on April 27, Gachagua praised him as a leader with a clear vision and genuine concern for his constituents.
Despite initial concerns about his victory over her close associate for the Lang’ata MP seat, Gachagua stressed their appreciation for Jalang’o’s dedication to serving his people and his commitment to their welfare and aspirations.
“Mlichagua kiongozi ambaye ako na sera, ako na mipango na ako na maono na Rais wetu amekuja kumpenda huyu kijana na mimi nimempenda huyu kijana zaidi kwa sababu ako na mipango ya kazi na anapenda watu wake,” Gachagua said.
(You have elected a leader who has policies, plans and visions and our President has come to love this young man and I love this young man even more because he has work plans and he loves his people).
Gachagua explained that the MP always seeks the President’s support on development issues in his constituency.
He explained that whenever Jalang’o is unable to reach the President, he turns to the Deputy President.
“Every day he is with the President; when he misses him, he comes to me for Lang’ata’s development issues,” Gachagua added.
Jalang’o is one of the opposition MPs who defied ODM leader Raila Odinga and chose to work with DR Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.
The decision has drawn criticism, with Azimio leader Raila Odinga mounting pressure on all rebel ODM MPs to resign and seek new mandates with parties aligned to the ruling Kenya Kwanza.
In March 2023, Jalang’o said he was working with President William Ruto to learn his skills to win an election.
“…I went to Ruto to learn the skills of winning elections because Ruto has never lost an election since he entered politics. I went to learn how he (Ruto) did it, whether it’s stealing or other ways,” he said.
According to Jalang’o, he is confident that after acquiring the necessary skills, he will become the first person from the Luo community to ascend to the presidency.