Why Raila is irrelevant 2027 - Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed Raila Odinga as politically irrelevant in the 2027 elections, stating that the veteran politician brings “nothing to the table” and will not influence the outcome.

Speaking during a forum with Kenyans in the diaspora in Seattle, United States, on Friday, July 11, 2025, Gachagua described Raila as a spent force, claiming that communities which traditionally supported him had already shifted their loyalty.

“Raila Odinga brings nothing to the table,” said Gachagua.

 “The Kambas who were behind him, they have left. The Kisis have left. The Luhyas have left. The Maasais have left. The Luo Nation is divided in the middle.”

He said that even if united, Raila and President William Ruto would not change the election outcome.

“Even if they are together, we’ll beat them seven to plus one per cent,” he said.

He also mocked Raila’s recent public statements on state violence during youth-led protests, accusing him of playing public relations while being close to Ruto.

 “William Ruto is his partner. Why is he addressing him through the press? They are brothers. You say you work together. Go to his office,” Gachagua remarked.

The former Deputy President also denied claims by Ruto that there were plans to unseat him through unconstitutional means.

“Nobody wants to overthrow him. It’s a lie,” he said. “He wants to use that as an excuse to suppress people and arrest leaders.”

Gachagua told the audience that Kenyans were silently angry over the high cost of living, state violence, and overtaxation, but would express their frustrations at the ballot. “Kenyans are angry. They are just quiet,” he said. “They’ll express their anger on the ballot in 2027.”

He further blamed President Ruto for creating false narratives that the Kikuyu community was leading the resistance against him.

“That propaganda by William Ruto and his cronies, that it is Kikuyu Nation that is against him, is a lie,” he said.

Gachagua maintained that opposition to Ruto was not tribal but national, pointing to widespread discontent over governance and economic hardships.

 “All Kenyans, irrespective of the communities they come from, are unhappy with the destruction of the Kenyan economy,” he said.

Gachagua assured the diaspora that the United Opposition would remain united and announce one joint presidential candidate by December.

He said they were ready to support whichever candidate is picked, mentioning Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiangi, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua..

“We shall stick together to the end,” he said.

 “None of us can afford the luxury of allowing Ruto to come back.”

He also introduced the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), calling it “the most popular party in the country” and urged diaspora members to support its chapters.

 “We shall have fair nominations. Let the people decide,” he said.

Gachagua concluded by calling on Kenyans abroad to remain united and involved. “Never walk alone. There is strength and safety in walking together,” he said.