Gachagua: Ruto is using Joho to divide ODM

By Newsflash Writer

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of plotting to fracture the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) by deploying Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho as part of a broader political scheme.

Gachagua claimed the Head of State is among individuals keen on weakening and splitting ODM, a party that has remained one of Kenya’s most influential political outfits for over two decades.

Speaking on January 11 during a church service in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, the former DP alleged that President Ruto is actively working behind the scenes to undermine the party’s unity and leadership.

Plan to split ODM strongholds

According to Gachagua, Ruto allegedly sent CS Joho to demand the ODM party leadership. He claimed that if Joho is denied the position, he has been instructed to establish a separate political party in the Coast region—an area that has traditionally been a stronghold of ODM.

Gachagua further alleged that similar instructions were issued to Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as part of a coordinated effort to splinter ODM from within and dilute its national appeal.

DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua is pictured during a campaign rally in Kirinyaga County on January 9, 2026, wearing a helmet.

“He has decided to divide and finish ODM. He has instructed Joho and Oparanya to demand party leadership positions. If they are not made party leaders, they should form their own parties. Ruto wants to turn ODM into a Luo-only party,” Gachagua claimed.

Defense of Uhuru Kenyatta

The former Deputy President dismissed claims linking former President Uhuru Kenyatta to the internal wrangles rocking ODM, insisting that Kenyatta deserves respect and should not be dragged into the party’s disputes. He warned ODM leaders against attacking the former president, alleging that President Ruto was behind attempts to incite ODM members against Kenyatta.

Gachagua argued that Kenyatta had made genuine efforts to support ODM leader Raila Odinga’s 2022 presidential bid but was unfairly being blamed for the party’s loss.

“Uhuru Kenyatta tried to help Raila become president, but ODM supporters failed to turn out and vote. Uhuru is not ODM’s problem. Do not allow yourselves to be used by Ruto to attack Uhuru,” he said.

ODM infighting and leadership disputes

Gachagua’s remarks come amid growing blame games within ODM over the party’s leadership crisis and its defeat in the 2022 general elections. Some party leaders have accused Kenyatta of betrayal, citing alleged mishandling of funds meant for election agents. However, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has publicly defended Kenyatta, accusing some party insiders of mismanaging the agents’ funds.

Tensions escalated further during Raila Odinga’s recent 81st birthday celebrations in Mombasa, where Coast leaders demanded that Joho be appointed ODM party leader.

They argued that Joho has been Raila’s most loyal ally and that the Coast region has consistently backed ODM over the years. The leaders warned that failure to elevate Joho could force them to chart a new political path, while others called for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) to address the internal divisions.

During the Gatundu church service, Gachagua praised Kenyatta and wished him a peaceful retirement, noting that the former president has a democratic right to associate freely. However, he added that the opposition could still seek Kenyatta’s counsel if the need arises.

“I wish Uhuru a very peaceful retirement. We are not disturbing him. He has the right to associate with anyone. For now, we are managing, but if the time comes, we will request him to come out of retirement and guide us,” Gachagua said.