Oburu Odinga Says He Will Sue Rigathi Gachagua Over “State Bribery” Claims
Orange Democratic Movement (Orange Democratic Movement) leader Oburu Odinga has declared that he intends to take legal action against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following accusations that he and his party had allegedly been “bought by the State.”
Speaking at an ODM youth convention held in Nairobi, Oburu strongly rejected the claims, saying they were false, damaging, and politically motivated.
He stated that some members of the United Opposition had gone too far by making unverified allegations against him and the party leadership.
According to Oburu, he is prepared to go to court to force those making such claims to provide evidence.
He challenged the accusation directly, saying he would want the former Deputy President to explain how and at what price he allegedly believes Oburu was “bought.”
He firmly insisted on his integrity, stating:
“Even if they insult us, we will continue moving forward. One of them has claimed that Oburu has been bought. I will take him to court so he can explain how much I was bought for. I cannot be bought.”
ODM Defends Its Political Direction
Oburu also used the event to reassure supporters that ODM remains stable and focused on its long-term political goals. He emphasized that the party’s current political choices, including its cooperation with the ruling side, are strategic and justified.
He further stated that ODM is confident about its future influence and expects to be in power after the 2027 general election. In his remarks, he avoided dwelling too much on opposition criticism, saying the party is focused on progress rather than political attacks.
“ODM Is Too Big to Be Swallowed”
Addressing claims that the ruling United Democratic Alliance (United Democratic Alliance) has taken over or weakened ODM, Oburu strongly dismissed the idea.
He insisted that ODM remains the largest and most established political party in the country and cannot be controlled or absorbed by any other political movement.
“Our party will continue to grow stronger. It is too big to be swallowed. If you try to swallow it, your stomach will burst,” he said in a strongly worded response meant to reassure supporters and counter criticism.
Background to the Political Tension
Although he did not mention Rigathi Gachagua directly in that particular speech, the former Deputy President has repeatedly accused President William Ruto of influencing ODM leadership and weakening the party’s independence.
At a rally in Kiambu County on Saturday, April 18, Gachagua claimed that President Ruto had a broader political plan to weaken ODM. He alleged that key ODM figures, including Oburu Odinga and Gladys Wanga, had been politically compromised.
He said:
“The ODM that used to defend Kenyans has now been bought by Ruto. I warned ODM supporters that Ruto will eventually finish your party.”
Growing Political Rift Ahead of 2027
These remarks reflect a widening political divide between ODM and UDA as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 general election. The two parties, which have at times shown signs of cooperation, are now increasingly clashing over strategy and influence.
ODM has been pushing for what it calls “zoning,” where parties focus on specific strongholds and avoid competing directly in certain areas. The party believes this would help maintain political balance and reduce internal conflict.
On the other hand, UDA strongly opposes this idea. The ruling party argues that all political parties should be free to field candidates in every part of the country without restrictions.
UDA leaders have questioned why ODM appears concerned about open competition, insisting that democracy should allow all parties to compete freely in all 47 counties.
What Lies Ahead
The dispute highlights rising political tension within Kenya’s broad-based political arrangement, with both sides accusing each other of undermining democratic principles.
As exchanges between ODM and UDA continue to intensify, the situation signals a potentially heated political season leading into the next election cycle, with court battles and public rallies likely to play a major role in shaping the narrative.
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