The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders from Nyanza have launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies for rejecting a proposed intergenerational dialogue championed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The leaders insist that the dialogue initiative is crucial for national unity and economic stability.
Speaking during the official launch of the Ratanga modern market in Homa Bay County, the leaders accused Gachagua of promoting tribal politics and frustrating efforts aimed at building a cohesive and inclusive Kenya.
The leaders’ remarks came during an event attended by ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed, Siaya Woman Representative Dr. Christine Ombaka and Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla, among other leaders. Mama Ida Odinga graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Governor Wanga, who led the delegation, tore into the former Deputy President, terming him “anti-unity” and a “tribalist” who is sabotaging the country’s progress.
She laughed off Gachagua’s recent trip to the United States, alleging that he extended his tribal political agenda abroad by meeting only people from his own ethnic community, sidelining other Kenyans in the diaspora.
“We want a Kenya where all communities feel included. Raila’s dialogue is about nation-building, but Gachagua is taking tribalism to international levels,” Wanga stated, adding that ODM remains fully committed to the broad-based government arrangement led by President William Ruto.
Her sentiments were echoed by Mama Ida Odinga, who urged the Luo community to embrace the evolving political environment. She said the cooperation between President Ruto and Raila Odinga presents an opportunity for development and inclusivity.
“It is time we reap the fruits of this national partnership. Let us not be left behind in this era of cooperation,” said Mama Ida.
Migori Woman Rep Fatuma Mohammed cautioned youth against participating in unrest and protests, urging them instead to give space for the proposed national dialogue to take root.
“The energy of our youth should be channeled into building the nation, not chaos. Let’s support Baba’s vision for unity through dialogue,” she said.
Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, Senator Beatrice Ogolla and Dr. Christine Ombaka also threw their weight behind the national conclave proposal, noting that it provides a platform to address the political and economic challenges Kenya is currently facing.
The leaders were speaking at Ratanga Trading Centre during the launch of the Ratanga modern market, a project funded through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) under the leadership of Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo.
The ODM leadership’s unified stance highlights the party’s continued alignment with President Ruto’s administration under the spirit of bipartisan engagement, even as internal divisions within the opposition continue to emerge over the direction of national politics.
