Gachagua Offers Sifuna and Babu Owino a Political Lifeline Ahead of 2027 Election
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hinted at extending support to Senator Edwin Sifuna in the forthcoming 2027 General Election, amid mounting tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking on Wednesday, December 3, Gachagua claimed President William Ruto is allegedly seeking to push both Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino out of the ODM party, raising questions about the opposition’s cohesion in Nairobi.
In response, Gachagua welcomed the possibility of the two leaders joining his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), should they be ousted from ODM. He praised Sifuna’s performance as Nairobi Senator and assured him of support to defend his seat under the DCP banner.
“We have heard that Ruto does not want Sifuna in ODM. Sifuna, I want to tell you, my brother, if Ruto sends you away from ODM, you are welcome to DCP. Sifuna is a great senator in Nairobi, and I have no problem with DCP supporting him as the senator of Nairobi,” Gachagua stated.
The former DP also addressed Babu Owino, who is reportedly eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, urging him to consider joining the opposition if he feels unwelcome.
“Babu Owino, if Ruto chases you away, this is your home. Come home,” Gachagua said. He added that the two leaders could also consider aligning with former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party, describing it as a partner to DCP.
“DCP is a party for Kenyan patriots; great leaders like Sifuna have space here. If you feel uncomfortable with DCP, Babu Owino and Sifuna, come to Wiper, our partner,” he noted.
Gachagua further criticized what he described as President Ruto’s interference in ODM, alleging that the party has effectively been “bought” by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who also serves as ODM’s national chairperson.
The former deputy president claimed that the two leaders had already received a down payment from Ruto, in what he described as a sale of the party, expressing concern over ODM’s waning influence in its historical strongholds.
“ODM has been a symbol of the people’s movement, but its historical bases are starting to slip away. This is regrettable,” Gachagua said, voicing his sympathy for the opposition party.
With less than three years to the 2027 General Election, the remarks by Gachagua are expected to fuel speculation about potential political realignments in Nairobi and the broader national landscape.
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Gachagua Offers Sifuna and Babu Owino a Political Lifeline Ahead of 2027 Election