Deputy Chief Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has declared that Raila Odinga no longer holds any real influence in Kenya’s political future, calling the former Prime Minister “totally irrelevant” in shaping national discourse.
Gachagua, who served as Deputy President under William Ruto, made the remarks on Saturday during a roundtable with Kenyan nationals in Seattle, Washington. He accused Raila of always finding his way into power after elections, but never taking full responsibility when things go wrong.
“Every election cycle, he loses and still finds his way into government,” said Gachagua. “He wants to be there, but not be held accountable. He is there, but someone else takes the flak.”
His criticism came just a day after Raila publicly faulted President Ruto’s administration over alleged shoot-to-maim orders issued to the police during recent protests across the country. In a statement on Friday, Raila warned that such directives were unconstitutional and posed a threat to human rights.
“As a country, we must at all times opt for the rule of law and due process,” Raila said. “We must reject the temptation to give police illegitimate and deadly powers over citizens even when those citizens are perceived to have broken the law.”
But Gachagua was unimpressed. He dismissed Raila’s comments as political posturing, accusing him of speaking out only when things get uncomfortable.
“Right now, Raila finds things too hot for President Ruto, so he tries to distance himself,” said Gachagua. “But if he were truly patriotic, he’d step away completely. Instead, he’s talking when his mouth is full.”
Despite growing public frustration over the rising cost of living, police violence, and ongoing protests, Gachagua urged Kenyans to stay patient and wait for the next general election to express their discontent.
“The dialogue we need is in the ballot box in 2027,” he said. “Raila has been in every dialogue this country has had, but our problems haven’t gone away. What we need is real leadership. Let’s persevere for two years and settle this matter once and for all.”
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