Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed opposition leader Raila Odinga as politically irrelevant in the upcoming 2027 general election, claiming the veteran politician no longer commands support across key regions of Kenya.
Speaking to Kenyans in the diaspora during a forum in Seattle, United States, on Friday, July 11, 2025, Gachagua asserted that Raila “brings nothing to the table” and will have little to no influence on the 2027 election outcome. The outspoken Mt Kenya politician argued that Raila’s traditional support base has significantly dwindled, with many communities shifting allegiances.
“The Kambas who were behind him, they have left. The Kisiis have left. The Luhyas have left. The Maasais have left. The Luo Nation is divided in the middle,” Gachagua said, portraying Raila as a diminishing political force.
Gachagua’s remarks reflect the growing political rivalry and realignments as Kenya edges closer to the 2027 elections. Raila Odinga, who recently secured the African Union Commission chairmanship endorsement from the Kenyan government, has maintained a reduced presence in local politics, prompting questions about his future role.
While Raila remains a revered figure among sections of his base, Gachagua’s sentiments echo a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders who believe the opposition is weakened and fragmented. Political observers, however, note that Raila has a history of staging unexpected comebacks and caution against underestimating his influence.
The comments come amid speculation over who will challenge President William Ruto in 2027, with no clear opposition frontrunner emerging so far. As Gachagua positions himself within the ruling coalition’s succession dynamics, his criticism of Raila appears to be part of a broader strategy to consolidate influence and appeal to disenchanted regions.
Raila has yet to publicly respond to Gachagua’s remarks.