Outspoken activist Nuru Okanga, a steadfast supporter of Raila Odinga, met with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The meeting, which Okanga shared via Facebook, has sparked widespread speculation over a possible shift in his political stance.
Known for his fiery speeches and unwavering loyalty to Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga, Okanga has long been a thorn in the side of Kenya Kwanza leadership, often criticising Gachagua and President William Ruto in public forums. His grassroots mobilisation efforts through Bunge la Mwananchi at Nairobi’s Jeevanjee Gardens have earned him a significant following among politically active Kenyans.
Photos shared on Okanga’s social media showed him in an animated exchange with Gachagua and even mimicking the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) symbol a gesture that caught many by surprise, especially given his history of verbal attacks on the former DP. The meeting came just days after Gachagua unveiled the DCP, a move seen by many as a step toward reviving his political career after recent political isolation.
Further fuelling speculation, Okanga also posted images of meetings with Safina Party leader Jimmy Wanjigi and lawyer Willis Otieno, suggesting broader political engagements. His recent appearance during the arraignment of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, another political heavyweight, has added to the intrigue.
Okanga’s growing proximity to political elites marks a notable transition for the activist, who just last year was in court over remarks made against President Ruto. Despite questions over his political influence, Okanga remains a visible figure in Kenya’s socio-political landscape.
In August 2024, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi publicly pledged to change Okanga’s life, gifting him Sh1.3 million and promising a home under the affordable housing plan. Okanga had expressed hope of starting a salon for his wife and lifting his family out of hardship.
Whether his recent political encounters signify a genuine shift in allegiance or strategic networking remains to be seen—but Nuru Okanga is clearly a man to watch.
