Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth leader Kasmuel McOure has drawn a firm line in the sand, condemning what he termed as manipulative tactics by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to weaken the opposition by targeting key party figures like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. The sharp response follows Gachagua's recent public invitation for Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to join his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), should they feel dissatisfied within ODM.

This political maneuvering is not just about party loyalty; it's a prelude to the high-stakes 2027 election chess game. For the average Kenyan, these elite power struggles raise critical questions about political stability and whether leaders are focused on service delivery or simply securing their own futures. The fight for political turf could either strengthen democratic choice or distract from pressing issues like the cost of living and unemployment.

A Battle for Ideology and the Youth

McOure, a prominent activist who rose to fame during the 2024 anti-finance bill protests, argued that Gachagua's political ideology is fundamentally misaligned with the aspirations of Kenya's youth. "We, the youth of ODM, must state categorically: we shall not be part of any formation that includes Rigathi Gachagua as a principal," McOure declared in a statement. He emphasized that no amount of persuasion would convince them to work with a leader whose past actions, particularly during the finance bill protests, have fueled deep skepticism among young Kenyans.

The ODM youth wing's stance reflects a generational divide in Kenyan politics. They are signaling a refusal to engage in what they see as old-school, personality-driven politics, instead calling for a focus on systemic change and accountability. This rejection was further amplified by criticism from other youth leaders within the broader United Opposition, who accused McOure of forgetting that Gachagua had stood with Gen Z protesters against the government.

Gachagua's Grand Strategy

Gachagua's overtures to Owino and Sifuna are part of a broader strategy to establish his DCP party as a formidable force, particularly in Nairobi. Fresh off several by-election victories, Gachagua has been aggressively marketing his party, even suggesting a zoning plan for Nairobi seats that has caused unease among his allies in the United Opposition. He has framed his actions as strengthening the opposition, even as he criticizes ODM for allegedly weakening itself by aligning too closely with the government.

Analysts suggest Gachagua's moves are a calculated effort to stir the political waters and maintain relevance ahead of 2027. However, this has triggered immediate backlash from coalition partners who view his ambitions as reckless and exclusionary, potentially destabilizing the unity of the opposition.

• Gachagua's Invitation: Publicly welcomed Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna to join his DCP party.
• McOure's Rejection: Stated the ODM youth will not accept any coalition involving Gachagua, citing ideological differences.
• Babu Owino's Status: A lifetime member of ODM and a popular, albeit sometimes controversial, figure within the party.
• Political Context: The moves come amid intense political realignments as leaders position themselves for the 2027 General Election.

While Babu Owino, a vocal and influential legislator, has not yet issued a formal public response to Gachagua's invitation, his loyalty to ODM is well-documented. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Gachagua's gambit will fracture the opposition or merely expose the fault lines that already exist as the country marches towards the next election cycle.