Wamuzi News Ke
In a blistering critique that has ignited Kenya’s political landscape, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly dismissed ODM leader Raila Odinga, declaring that “Raila brings nothing to the table.”
The statement marks a defining fracture in opposition politics and intensifies questions over loyalty, relevance, and strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.In a speech delivered in Machakos County, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of relying on Raila Odinga as his sole political life raft.
He argued that the President’s grip on power hinges entirely on Odinga’s support. “The President’s current life support is Raila Odinga. If we switch it off, it will be the end,” Gachagua declared, warning trouble ahead for Ruto should that alliance unravel.
Gachagua’s fans echoed his criticism, urging Raila to reconsider aligning with Ruto and instead support a united front under his fledgling DCP party. Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu backed the appeal, saying:
“Raila cannot sit at the same table with Ruto… If Ruto could con Gachagua after he brought him five million votes, what about Raila?” The fallout escalated when Raila Odinga embarked on a consultative tour in Wajir County to assess his political options.
He firmly ruled out joining forces with Gachagua, branding him untrustworthy and recalling past incidents that reeked of political sabotage. Raila asked his supporters: “Do you want us to go to the man who set traps and refused handshake and power-sharing?”
His Wajir audience overwhelmingly rejected working with Gachagua. Analysts warn that the Gachagua-Raila schism exposes deeper tensions within Kenya’s opposition theatre.
Gachagua touted his own grassroots strength, arguing that his faction does not need Raila’s historical vote bank to challenge Ruto. He dismissed the ODM leader’s influence as waning, asserting that Raila can no longer sway key regions like Mt Kenya or Ukambani.
“People have rejected him everywhere… he’s left with just his own votes,” Gachagua maintained. Observers suggest Gachagua’s aggressive posture stems from political recalibration after his impeachment in October 2024—an event he blames on Ruto for sidelining Mount Kenya leaders.
Gachagua now positions himself as the defender of regional interests and vows to build a self-reliant political vehicle ahead of 2027. Key Flashpoints:Gachagua brands Raila politically irrelevant and Ruto dangerously dependent.
Raila rejects any rapprochement with Gachagua, citing past betrayals and mistrust.Murang’a Senator Nyutu amplifies calls for Raila to align with Gachagua instead of Ruto.Gachagua pledges to build his own political infrastructure and deliver electoral results independently.
This explosive episode now reshapes Kenya’s political calculus. With Raila firmly outside Gachagua’s orbit, and both refusing compromise, a fractured opposition emerges.
Meanwhile, President Ruto’s reliance on Raila appears vulnerable, and any rupture may trigger realignments in Mount Kenya and beyond. As the political temperature rises, all eyes are on who will command loyalty and momentum in the lead-up to the decisive political showdown of 2027.
