Gachagua Alleges Ruto Is Seeking to Split ODM

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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of directing efforts to weaken the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) by encouraging internal divisions within the party

Speaking during a church service in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, on 11 January, Gachagua claimed that the President had instructed senior government officials to pursue leadership positions within ODM as part of a strategy to destabilise the party. He alleged that Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho had been told to seek the ODM party leadership and, if unsuccessful, to form a new political party in the Coast region.

He made similar claims about Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya.

Gachagua said the alleged plan was intended to fragment ODM along regional and ethnic lines, ultimately reducing it to a party identified with only one community. He told congregants that the President wanted to “divide and finish ODM” by encouraging rival centres of power within the party.

The remarks come as ODM continues to face internal disagreements linked to its leadership and the outcome of the 2022 general election. Some party members have blamed former President Uhuru Kenyatta for Raila Odinga’s defeat, citing alleged failures in the management of campaign resources, including funds for polling agents.

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has rejected these claims, arguing that responsibility lay with the party’s own structures. Gachagua defended Kenyatta, warning ODM members against criticising the former President. He said Kenyatta had made a genuine effort to support Odinga’s presidential bid and should not be blamed for the election loss. He urged party members not to be used to attack Kenyatta for political gain.

Debate over ODM’s leadership has intensified in recent weeks. During Odinga’s 81st birthday celebrations in Mombasa, several Coast leaders called for Joho to be elevated to party leader, citing his loyalty and the region’s long-standing support for ODM. Some warned that failure to recognise his role could lead them to pursue an alternative political path.

There have also been calls for the party’s National Delegates Committee to intervene to address the growing divisions. As ODM manages internal pressure and competing leadership demands, the outcome is expected to shape its position ahead of future elections.