From Betrayal to Billions: Rigathi Gachagua Opens Up on What He Claims Sank Raila Odinga’s 2022 Bid

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has once again stirred political debate after making fresh remarks on the 2022 General Election, offering his perspective on why opposition leader Raila Odinga lost a closely watched presidential race.

Speaking at a recent public event, Gachagua suggested that Raila’s campaign may have been weakened by internal divisions rather than external competition alone. 

He argued that betrayal, power struggles, and the growing influence of money in politics played a significant role in undermining what many had considered a formidable campaign.

According to Gachagua, Raila possessed immense political experience and intellectual capital, but these strengths were not fully translated into electoral success. 

He claimed that the campaign relied too heavily on high-profile endorsements and financial muscle, at the expense of consolidating grassroots voter support.

He further alleged that vast sums of money were poured into the campaign, yet failed to deliver the expected results at the ballot. 

In his view, the issue was not a lack of resources or prominent backing, but a breakdown of trust within the campaign’s inner circles. 

Gachagua maintained that internal betrayal proved more damaging than opposition tactics.

The former deputy president also hinted at underlying disharmony among key players in Raila’s broader campaign coalition, suggesting that cracks had already formed well before election day. 

He implied that these divisions weakened coordination and voter mobilisation efforts at a critical moment.

Gachagua’s remarks triggered mixed reactions online and across political circles. 

Supporters of the Kenya Kwanza alliance viewed his comments as validation of their long-held belief that the 2022 outcome reflected deeper flaws within Raila’s camp. 

On the other hand, critics dismissed the remarks as political spin or an attempt to rewrite history to suit current narratives.

Political analysts note that debates around the 2022 election continue to shape Kenya’s political environment as the country gradually turns its attention to the 2027 polls. 

They argue that competing interpretations of past elections are becoming an important tool in shaping future campaign strategies and public perception.

As political temperatures rise, the legacy of the 2022 contest remains a recurring reference point. 

Whether Gachagua’s claims hold weight or not, the election continues to be dissected, signaling that its political story is far from concluded.