NAIROBI, Kenya — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Raila Odinga, has sharply criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asserting that Gachagua is not the answer to Kenya’s challenges and advocating for dialogue over protests as the way forward.
Speaking at a funeral in Bomet on July 12, 2025, Mr Odinga contended that even if Gachagua were to become president, he would not bring about any substantial change in the country.
Mr Odinga further noted that Gachagua lacks the visionary leadership Kenya requires, and his past actions during his tenure as deputy president do not indicate an ability to effect meaningful improvements for the nation.
“Even if you make Rigathi Gachagua the next president, there is no big difference he will bring to this country,” Odinga stated.
The ODM leader emphasized the critical need for a national dialogue, urging Kenyans to discuss their issues and collectively identify the root causes of the country’s problems.
He added that protesting and chanting slogans like “Ruto Must Go” are not viable solutions, arguing that even if President Ruto were to leave office, replacing him with Gachagua would not yield any significant difference.
“The time has come for Kenyans to dialogue and deliberate on their issues and identify where the problem is. Solutions can’t be found through demonstrations. We can’t be saying “Ruto Must Go”, even if he left, that would not be the solution. Even if you bring ‘Wamunyoro’, he is not an option. He can’t make any difference. The demonstrators are our kids; let us all engage. From the youth, to women and men,” Mr Odinga announced.
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Raila Odinga’s pointed criticism of the former Deputy President came just hours after Gachagua publicly rejected Odinga’s call for national dialogue as a solution to the country’s problems.
Speaking to Kenyans in the United States, Gachagua claimed that Odinga had participated in similar talks previously without achieving any tangible outcomes.
He proceeded to dismiss the former Prime Minister as politically irrelevant, labeling him an opportunist who consistently seeks a position in every administration.
“Raila is irrelevant in the political discourse because every election cycle, he loses and finds his way into government. He wants to be in government but doesn’t want responsibility,” Gachagua commented.
