Wamuzi News Ke
In a blistering political rebuttal, South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro has publicly renounced former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s claim that Raila Odinga has lost influence in Kenyan politics. Osoro insists Raila’s relevance remains undiminished and challenged Gachagua to return to Kenya—to Rongo specifically—if he truly doubts Raila’s standing.
Speaking to residents in Migori County on July 13, Osoro declared:
“I saw Gachagua in the USA say Raila Odinga has lost popularity in this country—my advice to him: stop talking from afar. If you want to know, come to Rongo.” He reminded the audience that the democracy Kenyans enjoy today was hard‑won by Raila, whose decades of activism and leadership helped dismantle authoritarian legacies.
Gachagua’s Claim: Raila Has Lost Influence
The confrontation stems from comments Gachagua made during an engagement in Seattle on July 11, asserting that communities once loyal to Raila—such as the Kamba, Kisii, Luhya, and Luo—have deserted him. He predicted a landslide victory for Ruto in 2027, even if Raila supports him, claiming: “Raila brings nothing to the table.”
Gachagua went on to assert that if Raila runs in 2027, he’d place fourth in order of preference and that 70% of Kenyans no longer back him.
The Rebuttal: Legacy, Loyalty, and Democracy
Osoro’s counter-narrative stakes its ground in history: he praised Raila for leading the struggle for multiparty democracy, crediting him with laying the foundation for modern Kenyan political space. “Kenya would not be where it is without Raila Odinga,” Osoro said, defending his influence as both symbolic and substantive.
His remarks also targeted what he framed as Gachagua’s polarizing tactics. Osoro accused the ex-deputy president of stirring tribal rhetoric and ignoring Raila’s role in shaping Kenya’s democracy.
Why This Matters
This confrontation escalates a broader political rift:
- Opposition identity at stake: The clash reveals deep divisions within the anti-Ruto camp and highlights emerging leadership fault lines ahead of 2027.
- Politics of proximity: Osoro argues influence must be assessed from within communities, not online podiums or foreign engagement sessions.
- Democracy’s symbolic anchor: The debate underscores Raila’s symbolic appeal among older voters—particularly those for whom his legacy shapes democratic memory.
What Comes Next
Grassroots testimony: Osoro’s invitation to Gachagua to visit Rongo puts the pressure on him to prove claims with ground-level evidence. His claim that Raila’s support has evaporated risks being rebutted by local voter sentiment.
Political optics: Gachagua’s overseas remarks and flat dismissal of Raila may alienate key ethnic blocs and youth activists—many of whom still see Raila as a bridge across political generations.
Final Word
Osoro’s sharp critique frames this showdown as less about Raila’s waning pull—and more about the shrinking space for honorific leadership in Kenya’s high-stakes politics. As the presidency, opposition coalitions, and 2027 dynamics evolve, the ultimate verdict on Raila’s relevance may well come from voters in places like Rongo—not rhetoric in foreign halls.
