ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga has taken a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, telling him to allow the late Raila Odinga to rest instead of repeatedly invoking his name in the ongoing political contest.
Wanga’s remarks have added a new dimension to the increasingly heated political exchanges surrounding Raila’s legacy and the future of the Orange Democratic Movement as Kenya’s political parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking amid continued debate over ODM’s political direction, Wanga questioned Gachagua’s decision to continue commenting on Raila and the affairs of a party he does not lead.
She suggested that political leaders should focus on their own political formations rather than attempting to dictate what happens within ODM.
Her comments come at a time when Raila’s political legacy remains a major subject of discussion across the country. The veteran opposition leader was for decades one of Kenya’s most influential politicians, building a formidable political movement and playing a central role in several presidential elections.
Following his death, ODM has faced increased scrutiny over whether it can maintain its influence without its longtime leader. Party officials, however, have repeatedly insisted that the movement is bigger than one individual and that its structures remain intact.
Wanga has been among the senior officials defending the party against claims of division or collapse. She has maintained that ODM has the institutional capacity to survive the loss of Raila and continue participating actively in national politics.
Her latest remarks directed at Gachagua reflect the growing political rivalry between established opposition structures and emerging political movements seeking to attract supporters ahead of 2027.
Gachagua, who has established himself as a leading figure in the opposition political landscape, has frequently criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration and also commented on political developments within ODM.
His interventions have attracted sharp responses from ODM officials, who accuse him of attempting to interfere with the party's affairs.
Wanga’s reference to an alleged past vow by Gachagua to kill Raila is particularly serious. Such a claim should be understood as an allegation unless supported by credible evidence, such as a verifiable recording, transcript or contemporaneous report. It would be inappropriate to present an unverified allegation as an established fact.
Nevertheless, the political significance of Wanga’s remarks lies in the wider battle over Raila’s legacy. His death has created a vacuum within Kenya’s opposition politics and opened a new contest over the millions of voters who historically supported him.
For ODM, preserving Raila’s political base while establishing new leadership will be one of its biggest challenges. The party must demonstrate that its structures can function effectively without the figure who dominated its politics for many years.
For Gachagua and other opposition figures, the changing political landscape presents an opportunity to build new alliances and challenge established political loyalties.
The exchanges also demonstrate that Raila’s influence did not end with his death. His political name remains powerful enough to shape public debate, influence alliances and trigger fierce reactions among competing political camps.
Wanga’s message to Gachagua is therefore part of a much larger political struggle. ODM wants to protect its identity and determine its own future, while rival political actors are seeking space within an opposition landscape that has been dramatically transformed.
As the 2027 elections approach, such confrontations are likely to become more frequent. Political leaders will increasingly invoke Raila’s record, supporters and legacy as they seek to strengthen their own positions.
For Wanga and ODM, the message remains clear: Raila’s legacy should be respected, while the party’s future should be determined by its members and leadership rather than by external political figures.
The battle over what comes next for ODM has only begun, and Raila’s name is likely to remain at the centre of Kenya’s political conversation for years to come.