Oburu Amvaa Gachagua, Says He Has No Power To Organize Protests Are Only Threats: “Let’s Train Them First”

• Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga ignored the threats of former vice president Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition leaders to protest, questioning their ability
• Oburu sarcastically reminded his supporters that protests have historically been associated with ODM strongholds
• The veteran politician also revisited Gachagua’s old remarks about development, stressing that government projects are a constitutional right for all taxpayers
• Oburu reaffirmed ODM’s support for wider government, advocated early political participation before 2027

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has criticized the former vice president Rigathi Gachagu and other opposition leaders regarding their threat to protest against the government of Kenya First.

Oburu’s remarks come a few days after the leaders of the opposition, led by Gachagua and the leader of the Wiper party Kalonzo Musyokawarning of mass protests if the police do not act against the violence and disruption witnessed during some of their recent political rallies.

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After three hours of talks with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Friday, January 30, the opposition issued a two-week ruling, demanding the arrest of those involved.

They said not doing so would force them to call supporters to the streets.

Oburu criticized Gachagua’s threats to protest

But speaking in Kisumu on Monday, February 2, Oburu dismissed the threats with sarcasm, reminding his audience that street protests have long been associated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and its traditional strongholds.

Doubting whether the current opposition can spur public action, the veteran politician suggested that they lack experience and moral authority when it comes to protests.

“Our area used to be known for protests. I hear some people saying they want to protest next week. Let them come first and let us teach them what protests really are; they don’t know protests,” Oburu said, drawing laughter from the audience.

The veteran politician was addressing residents during the NYOTA Capital fundraising event held at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu county, an event attended by the President William Ruto.

More than a protest speech, Oburu used the platform to revisit Gachagua’s past remarks on development and resource allocation, which had previously caused controversy.

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He criticized the idea that some areas should be denied government projects because they did not support the ruling coalition in the polls.

Urging the residents of Kisumu to remain politically sane, Oburu said that development is a constitutional right, not a gift of political loyalty.

He cited recent government projects in the area as evidence that the current administration has changed from exclusion to inclusion.

“Haven’t you seen the president bring projects to our region equally, like other regions? That’s all we were asking for. We were saying that as Kenyans, we are tax payers whether we voted for this government or not, and we have the right to get our shares. Someone else was saying that our shares should not be given to us, that we should only pay taxes without benefits because we are not “shareholders”. And now he says we should also vote for them. Will you vote for them? Can you really vote for them?” Oburu asked the crowd.

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Oburu reaffirmed ODM’s support for broad governance, noting that this political direction was set by the leadership of the party before the death of its longtime boss, Raila Odinga.

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“Since we lost my brother, Raila Odinga, and he joined the wider government, we will work together with President William Ruto and the government,” Oburu added.

Addressing internal criticism from sections of the ODM ranks, Oburu dismissed claims that the party is speeding up talks with Ruto’s United Democratic Union (UDA).

According to him, early political participation is not betrayal but a strategy, especially since the 2027 General Election is already approaching.

He said that the party must prepare in advance and align itself with leaders who can bring tangible changes to Kenyans.

Looking ahead, Oburu made it clear that political dialogue will intensify as the next election approaches, dismissing concerns that the party is moving too fast.

Using an obvious example, Oburu expressed confidence in his ODM leadership and the direction he believes the party should take to Raila’s Canaan.

“Our votes will go to those who bring change. And I am leading ODM; since my brother left, am I not leading ODM? If you follow flies, they will lead you to dirt; if you follow bees, they will lead you to honey. I assure you, I will take you to Canaan, and we will go through Singapore to reach that Canaan,” he said.

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