Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday, April 17, intensified efforts to court the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), urging the party to sever ties with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and align with the Democratic Congress Party (DCP).
Speaking at a rally in Ruiru, Gachagua positioned DCP as a viable fallback option for ODM amid claims that President William Ruto is undermining the party from within.
He suggested that a partnership between ODM and DCP could form a united front aimed at challenging Ruto’s leadership and unseating him in the 2027 general election.
Political Rift Deepens as Gachagua Targets ODM in Alliance Shake-Up. Photo: Courtesy.
Gachagua also referenced the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, arguing that leaders associated with his political ideals are being systematically pushed out, as part of a broader effort to weaken ODM.
The former Deputy President intensified his criticism of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing party leadership, including Chair Gladys Wanga and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, of compromising the party’s independence and aligning it with President Ruto.
He faulted ODM for what he described as misplaced priorities, arguing that the party should be focusing on pressing economic issues such as the high cost of fuel rather than engaging in political disputes or seeking recognition from the ruling party.
Gachagua further claimed that ODM had shifted away from its traditional role of advocating for ordinary Kenyans, particularly on matters like fuel prices, which he said should remain central to its agenda.
He also dismissed the government’s previous reduction of VAT on petroleum products from 16 percent to 8 percent as insufficient relief, maintaining that broader measures were still necessary to ease the cost of living.
He additionally called for the removal of the Ksh7 petroleum levy on fuel products and warned that he would mobilize public protests if further price reductions were not implemented.
Gachagua accused Ruto of having interests in the fuel import and supply sector, suggesting he should leave politics and focus on business if profit-making was his objective.
