Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked fresh political debate after branding ODM leader Raila Odinga as Kenya’s true political “watermelon,” a tag long associated with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Speaking in Kitengela, Kajiado County, during a Sunday service at the Jesus Exaltation Centre Orkinos School, Gachagua praised Kalonzo as a steadfast leader who has consistently stood by the opposition cause.
“Raila has played Kalonzo for 14 years. He even interviewed him for a running mate position, but Kalonzo never betrayed him. From day one, Kalonzo has had a stand. In fact, the real watermelon in Kenya is Raila, not Kalonzo,” Gachagua declared.
The former DP, who was impeached last year, pointed to Raila’s history of aligning with past political rivals after elections. He recalled Raila working with the late Daniel arap Moi after the 1997 polls, with Mwai Kibaki following the 2007 election crisis, with Uhuru Kenyatta after 2017, and most recently with President William Ruto after the 2022 contest.
Gachagua further revealed that the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration had attempted to lure leaders from the United Opposition into government. However, he insisted they declined, citing examples such as Eugene Wamalwa, who reportedly turned down a Cabinet slot. He added that Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua remained firmly committed to the opposition alliance.
Kalonzo, who welcomed Gachagua’s defense, reiterated his loyalty to the opposition and his vision for a united country.
“I have always stood with the people and never betrayed my beloved country. Though I have been betrayed many times, my faith in God and my commitment to serve remain unshaken,” Kalonzo said.
The Kitengela event was also attended by Wamalwa and several MPs allied to both Wiper and Gachagua’s Democratic Congress Party (DCP), signaling growing coordination ahead of the 2027 elections.
