ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks questioning the circumstances surrounding the death of former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking during a development tour at Nyakiamo Stadium on Wednesday, Governor Wanga told Gachagua to respect the late Odinga and stop what she described as mockery of the Luo community following the former Prime Minister’s death.
Wanga, who is also the ODM chairperson, warned the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader against using Odinga’s name in his political campaigns, urging him to instead concentrate on strengthening his own party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The governor accused Gachagua of being a fierce critic of Odinga when the former Prime Minister was alive, alleging that he supported government actions against the opposition leader during anti-government protests.
“Leave Baba Raila Amolo Odinga alone to rest in peace in heaven. We have not forgotten that one day you woke up at 5.00 am and said that if Raila goes to protests, you yourself will kill him. That day, Baba’s car was hit by ten bullets! They almost killed him. You, Gachagua, said Baba must be sent back to Bondo. That it was the only job you had left,” said Wanga.
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Wanga further accused Gachagua of failing to visit the Odinga family to offer condolences since the former Prime Minister’s death.
“You have never set foot where Baba Raila Amolo Odinga is buried. You have never set foot in Karen to offer your condolences to Mama Ida Odinga. But every day, ever since Baba was laid to rest, you wake up every single day with rumors, chaos, lies, malice, reckless statements, careless statements, useless statements, in the name of Baba Raila Amolo Odinga! We want to tell you Gachagua, do your politics without touching the name of Baba Raila Amolo Odinga!” she added.
Gachagua had on Tuesday raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno.
Speaking during a press address assessing the performance of the Kenya Kwanza administration, Gachagua questioned aspects of Odinga’s death, including what he described as concerns over medical oversight and funeral arrangements that differed from Luo cultural traditions.
Wanga dismissed Gachagua’s remarks as reckless and inciting, warning that such statements should not be tolerated.
The ODM chairperson also ruled out the possibility of the party entering into a political coalition with Gachagua ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wanga said Gachagua’s political approach promotes exclusion, maintaining that ODM would approach the 2027 elections from a position of strength.
She expressed confidence that ODM would win several elective seats across the country as the party prepares for the next General Election.
