The video of Rigathi Gachagua saying that the late Raila Odinga was a political broker evokes mixed feelings

• DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has continued to mobilize support for the joint opposition towards the 2027 General Election
• Gachagua criticized Raila Odinga about his political legacy, claiming he abandoned the Abagusii community when he was in government
• Gachagua’s statements created mixed feelings among Kenyans about political alliances and leadership

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has continued to mobilize support for former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i towards the 2027 elections.

Matiang’i is the presidential candidate of Jubilee Partywhile Gachagua leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), both under the joint opposition coalition.

Speaking during his visit to Kisii county on Tuesday, February 24, Gachagua urged residents to elect a leader who will represent them directly at the national table.

Did Raila abandon the Kisii community after joining the government?

Gachagua reminded the community of their long-standing support for the ODM leader, Hayati Raila Odingawho allegedly abandoned them after joining previous governments.

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He criticized Raila’s past alliances, claiming they were for personal gain despite strong community support.

“The community of Abagusii has gone through many challenges. You used to use brokers from ODM to get to the national table. Every time he entered the government, he ate alone and left you struggling. This time you have found a leader who will directly represent your needs in the government. Is Matiang’i suitable to lead them? We ask you as leaders to give us Matiang’i so that we can go and form a government,” said Gachagua.

Although Raila lost in five elections, he participated in the governments of former presidents Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.

Before his untimely death in October 2025, Raila and President William Ruto created a comprehensive partnership that united the UDA and ODM parties, leading to the appointment of four ODM experts in Ruto’s Cabinet.

Despite the plan to dissolve the coalition by 2027, some ODM leaders supporting the re-election of Ruto has created a division within the party. Among those who support the plan is Kisii governor Simba Arati.

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Gachagua’s comments angered former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, who accused him of continuing to slander Raila even after his death.

“That is, Jofri has absolutely no manners. He insulted Baba while he was alive and continues to insult him even after death!” he said.

How did Kenyans respond to Gachagua’s statements?

Dionte Okemwa: “Truth doesn’t care if you’re alive or not… just do the right thing while you’re alive.”

Njoro Deepsea: “These days there is no going through a broker, the brokers will all end.”

Bernard Onyango: “So the Kisii people are the ones who should vote for Matiangi to be president? Let’s keep an eye out, this tribe has started to spoil words now.”

Daniel Kadenge Khwa Barasa: “Respect is earned, not demanded. Leadership is humility and politeness, not threats. If someone thinks they can silence leaders with threats, they are wrong. Citizens, not individuals, decide who goes home from parliament.”

Catherine Wambui: “Joffrey is sick.”

Eunice Nice: “Those who follow this family are flawed.”

Evans Kasmai Kiptulon: “He is now a broker… he wants to be a broker of the Kikuyus for Matiang’i or for Kalonzo through DCP… He has even forgotten, he starts talking to himself.”

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Source: TUKO.co.ke