Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday dropped a political bombshell, alleging that President William Ruto personally told him of a plan to “finish” the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The claim adds a volatile new element to Kenya's shifting political landscape, which has seen ODM's internal structures strained by a post-election cooperation agreement with the government.

The accusation provides a stark backdrop to Gachagua's primary move: a public and strategic invitation to ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to abandon their party and join his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). This overture is widely seen as an attempt to capitalize on the visible fractures within the former ruling party.

“William Ruto has destroyed ODM and we are very saddened,” Gachagua stated while welcoming newly elected DCP members. “He told me, when I was Deputy President, that he will finish it.”

Gachagua warned that if ODM continues its close association with the President, its influence will evaporate, particularly in its Nairobi stronghold. “If you allow ODM to be sold to Ruto, Junet Mohamed and Gladys Wanga, you will be a minority party. You will only get a few seats in Luo Nyanza,” he cautioned.

A Calculated Political Gamble

The invitation to Sifuna and Owino—two of ODM's most popular and outspoken figures who have voiced reservations about the party's alignment with the government—is a calculated political chess move. Gachagua offered them a political sanctuary and the promise of his party's backing in the 2027 general election.

“Edwin Sifuna, you are a good leader. If William Ruto ousts you, you are welcome to DCP. He is a great Senator in Nairobi and I have no problem with DCP supporting Sifuna to be the Senator of Nairobi,” Gachagua declared.

He extended a similar offer to the ambitious Embakasi East legislator. “Babu Owino, if you are ousted, this is your home, come home. And DCP is the party of Kenyan patriots, and if you feel uncomfortable in DCP, come to Wiper, our partner,” he added.

This move positions Gachagua not just as a critic of the President, but as a proactive architect of a new opposition alliance, seeking to absorb disillusioned members from rival parties. His DCP has already demonstrated nascent strength, bagging three Member of County Assembly (MCA) seats in the recent November 27 by-elections.

Cracks in the Orange House

Gachagua's claims and invitations land at a moment of palpable tension within ODM. A faction of the party, reportedly led by National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, has pledged to support President Ruto's administration until 2027.

This has left figures like Sifuna and Owino in a precarious position, as their resistance to the government line has drawn criticism from within the party. Babu Owino has previously expressed concerns that there may be a scheme to deny him the party's ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial race. While ODM elder Dr. Oburu Oginga has publicly reassured him, the internal dynamics remain complex.

As of the time of this report, neither Senator Sifuna nor MP Babu Owino had issued a formal response to Gachagua's public invitation. Their silence is being closely watched, as their next move could signal a significant realignment in Nairobi politics ahead of 2027.

Other ODM leaders, however, have been quick to dismiss Gachagua's overtures. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris urged the former Deputy President to focus on his own party. “With due respect... he should focus on his own party and leave ODM alone. ODM is a strong party... our structures and membership are so strong, and our leadership is so focused,” she stated in a televised interview.

The Battle for 2027

This unfolding drama is more than just party politics; it's the opening salvo in the long campaign for the 2027 election. For the average Kenyan, these high-level maneuvers raise critical questions about political stability and the strength of the opposition. A weakened or fractured opposition could impact governance and accountability, affecting everything from economic policy to the cost of living.

Gachagua's strategy appears to be to consolidate opposition forces and present a united front against President Ruto. He has already announced a political partnership with Kalonzo Musyoka's Wiper Democratic Movement, signaling a major push to control Nairobi politics.

The coming weeks will be crucial. Whether Sifuna and Owino take the bait or reaffirm their loyalty to ODM will have cascading effects, potentially reshaping the political arithmetic for years to come. Gachagua has thrown down the gauntlet, and all eyes are now on the two ODM leaders to see how they will play their hand.