- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua sparked a debate after ignoring the complaints of ODM leaders including Gladys Wanga
- He responded to the tension between ODM and UDA regarding plans to field candidates across the country for the 2027 General Election
- Gachagua demanded the existence of political strategies targeting ODM strongholds, with his remarks coming at a time of growing tensions between ODM and UDA
Former vice president Rigathi Gachagua has sparked a new political debate after making harsh remarks aimed at leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Source: Facebook
Gachagua spoke on Tuesday, April 14, during a debate on economic integration held in Kiharu, Murang’a county, where he interacted with local residents on issues of governance and political development.
During the meeting, he responded to recent statements from ODM leaders who have strongly opposed the plans of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to field candidates across the country in the upcoming elections.
UDA General Secretary Hassan Omar previously said that the party intends to field candidates even in areas considered to be ODM strongholds, stressing that any strong party should be ready to compete anywhere.
How did Gachagua answer Wanga and Junet?
His remarks drew criticism from several ODM leaders, including the national chairman and Homa Bay governor. Gladys Wangatogether with Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
They emphasized that political zoning is still an important part of political planning in Kenya.
The difference of opinion comes at a time when ODM and the UDA party led by the President William Ruto are holding preliminary talks about the possibility of forming coalitions towards the 2027 elections.
“I have been telling ODM leaders not to allow William Ruto to end the party. But you shouted and told me to separate. Now I see Gladys Wanga crying, Junet Mohamed is also crying. All the leaders who support Raila Odinga are complaining. I warned them that Ruto will end ODM,” said Gachagua.
Has Ruto created another party for the Coast region?
He continued to claim that Ruto has already established another political structure in Mombasa, which he claimed could be handed over to Minister of Mines Hassan Joho in a move aimed at reducing ODM’s influence in the Coast region.
Gachagua also claimed to be Minister of Cooperation Wycliffe Oparanya he may resign from his current position to lead another political party, something he said is part of a broader strategy to weaken ODM’s stronghold in Western Kenya.
“Kasongo (Ruto) wants ODM to remain a Luo Nyanza party only. Even within Nyanza he has plans against you,” he said.
Source: Facebook
Is Ruto using Raymond Omollo to end the influence of ODM Nyanza?
According to him, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Internal Security Raymond Omollo has been given the task of coordinating the activities of the UDA in the lake area.
He claimed that the head of state is working to change political loyalty in areas that have historically been associated with ODM, following the death of the party’s long-time leader Raila Odinga.
“He has given Omollo money and resources to stop UDA candidates and remove Raila’s allies. He wants all Raila’s allies to be removed so that he can keep his loyal followers in Luo Nyanza. If God helps ODM, you will only be able to get 20 MPs,” said Gachagua.
Gachagua insisted that his comments were made with the intention of maintaining political balance, describing himself as an ordinary citizen who cares about the future of ODM.
He added that a strong opposition will contribute to a better political environment, including for parties like his Democracy for Citizens Party, established in May 2025.
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