Gachagua Warns of ODM’s Decline Amid Alleged Attempts by President Ruto to Influence Party Direction
He exclaimed that the opposition was still united and well placed to sweep all elective seats in Nairobi in the forthcoming general elections.
Former Deputy president Rigathi Gachua. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now accuses President William Ruto of trying to take over the Orange Democratic Movement in the event of the death of its founding leader, Raila Odinga. He says that such a move would weaken the party’s national presence and erode its dominance in regions where it has enjoyed traditionally strong support.
Gachagua argued that the head of state has harbored intentions to undermine ODM for a long time. He reiterated that should the party’s leadership permit what he termed as a political takeover by President Ruto, together with senior ODM figures Junet Mohamed and Governor Gladys Wanga, the party risks diminishing into a minor political outfit. He warned that ODM could be left with only a handful of seats, particularly in its Luo Nyanza base.
Junet Mohamed, the MP for Suna East, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who also doubles as ODM’s national chairperson, have openly declared their alliance with the government’s broad-based coalition up to 2027. Their cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration has sparked internal friction, with some party members accusing them of abandoning ODM’s traditional stance.
Meanwhile, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who is also a Senator for Nairobi County, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have voiced their opposition to calls to support the government. Their staunch opposition has seen them attract sharp criticism and even suggestions that they might be kicked out of the party.
Gachagua, however, welcomed the possibility of the two joining the Democratic Change Party should they be pushed out of ODM. He praised Senator Sifuna’s work in Nairobi, stating that DCP would gladly support his senatorial bid in 2027. He extended the same offer to Babu Owino, assuring him of a political home in DCP. He went on to say that if they were uncomfortable with DCP, they could still find refuge in Wiper, a friendly coalition partner.
The former Deputy President maintained that ODM’s influence would rapidly decline if it allowed what he described as Ruto’s infiltration. He argued that the President lacks meaningful political support in Nairobi, claiming Ruto would barely secure 24,000 votes in the city.
Gachagua also emphasized that DCP is willing to work with leaders from all communities and political persuasions so long as they share values and goals. He exclaimed that the opposition was still united and well placed to sweep all elective seats in Nairobi in the forthcoming general elections. The Democratic Change Party recently made important gains in the November 27, 2025, by-elections, wherein it won three MCA seats. David Wanyoike Warui took the Kariobangi North Ward seat, Douglas Makonde clinched victory in Narok Town Ward, and Aduda Okwiri emerged the winner in Kisa East Ward.
About Author
