Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has sharply criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over comments he made about Raila Odinga’s political influence, accusing him of being disrespectful and out of touch with Kenyan politics.
While addressing a women’s empowerment event in Migori County on Sunday, Wandayi voiced his anger at remarks Gachagua made during his recent trip to Seattle, United States.
During a meeting with Kenyans living abroad on July 12, Gachagua dismissed both President William Ruto and ODM Party leader Raila Odinga. He alleged that Raila had become politically irrelevant after repeatedly losing presidential elections.
Wandayi, who previously served as the ODM Member of Parliament for Ugunja, strongly condemned the statements.
He challenged Gachagua to return to Kenya and repeat his accusations on local soil. “I was deeply angered when I saw that man who was kicked out of the Deputy President’s seat travel all the way to America only to insult Baba and President Ruto.
He shamelessly claimed that Baba has lost his popularity, even here in Nyanza, even in Rongo,” Wandayi told the crowd.
In a bold response, Wandayi warned Gachagua of an impending political surprise. “Let me tell Mr. Wamunyoro, the storm that is coming will catch him off guard. Baba is already preparing; he is doing press-ups in the Aberdare Forest.
That man will come to realize that he doesn’t know what’s coming his way. He cannot go around disrespecting leaders like this.”
Gachagua had earlier accused Raila of being a political opportunist, saying that the ODM leader had a habit of involving himself in every government administration regardless of who was in power.
He firmly ruled out any possibility of holding talks with the current government, insisting that true change would only come through the ballot in 2027.
“We don’t need another round of dialogue. We need to vote wisely in 2027. Raila Odinga has participated in all forms of dialogue, yet the country’s problems still persist. What we need is real, transformative leadership.
Kenyans should be patient for the next two years and then make a final decision that will end this issue once and for all,” Gachagua stated.
Raila Odinga, on the same day, dismissed Gachagua’s remarks as baseless and unhelpful. He maintained that Gachagua, who was removed from office in October 2024, is not the solution to Kenya’s problems if President Ruto fails to secure a second term in the upcoming 2027 General Election.
Gachagua landed in the U.S. on the night of Wednesday, July 9, marking his first overseas trip since being ousted from the Deputy President position.
Prior to leaving Kenya, he held a press briefing where he claimed that some of his allies had received threats suggesting that he would be blocked from traveling to the U.S. for his planned meetings with the diaspora.
Wandayi’s comments have added to growing political tensions as leaders prepare for the next election cycle, with both camps trading jabs over leadership, relevance, and the future of the country.
Join Gen Z & Millennials Revolution New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
