Nairobi's political scene crackled with tension as Woman Representative Esther Passaris delivered a pointed message to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua: focus on your own party and stay out of ODM's business. The exchange ignites fresh debate on party autonomy and the shifting alliances shaping Kenya's political landscape ahead of 2027.

This confrontation comes as Gachagua, now leading the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has been increasingly vocal about ODM's internal affairs. He recently claimed that key ODM figures, including National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, had effectively "sold the party" to President William Ruto. Gachagua also extended invitations to prominent ODM members like Senator Edwin Sifuna and MP Babu Owino to join his party, suggesting they were being pushed out of their political home.

ODM's Resilience and Future

Passaris forcefully countered these assertions, emphasizing ODM's deep-rooted structures and resilience. "ODM has been tried and tested; it has been around for 20 years," she noted during a televised interview on Wednesday night. She dismissed Gachagua's claims as a sign of insecurity, particularly regarding ODM's participation in the broad-based government.

The Woman Rep pointed to recent by-election victories in Magarini and Kasipul as proof of the party's enduring strength and unity, even after the death of its iconic leader, Raila Odinga. "ODM has structures, has its constitution, and has its own way of working. Our structures and membership are so strong, and our leadership is so focused," Passaris stated.

Shifting Political Tides

The verbal clash unfolds against a backdrop of a complex political realignment. While ODM and President Ruto's UDA are partners in a broad-based government arrangement aimed at easing political tensions, the dynamics remain fluid. This cooperation has not stopped Gachagua, now in opposition, from attempting to exploit perceived cracks within ODM and challenge its dominance, especially in Nairobi.

Gachagua's DCP has been actively working to form an alliance with Kalonzo Musyoka's Wiper party, with ambitions to sweep the capital's elective seats in 2027. However, ODM leaders have firmly ruled out any collaboration with Gachagua, citing ideological differences.

For ordinary Kenyans, this high-level political maneuvering raises questions about the stability of the current political truce. The focus on party politics, some analysts argue, distracts from pressing economic and social issues. The ultimate impact on service delivery and the cost of living remains a primary concern for citizens observing the unfolding drama.

As the 2027 election cycle inches closer, Passaris's message to Gachagua serves as a clear line in the sand. It underscores a resolve within ODM to protect its integrity and autonomy, signaling that the path to future political power will be fiercely contested.