Oburu threatens to sue Gachagua over claims he has been bought

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has threatened to sue political leaders who allege that he has been "bought" by the ruling UDA party.

Dr Oburu stated he will take legal action against leaders affiliated with the United Opposition, led by Rigathi Gachagua, as well as those allied to ODM’s Linda Mwananchi faction, who have made these claims verbally in the past.

“Even if they abuse us, we are still moving forward. But one of them claims Oburu has been bought. I will take him to court to explain how much Oburu was allegedly bought for. I cannot be bought,” the ODM boss said.

Gachagua has been the most vocal critic of the Broad-Based Government arrangement, often insinuating that ODM leaders have been compromised by the state to betray their cause.

The DCP leader mentioned Oburu; Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga (ODM Chairperson), and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed (Minority Leader) as the three leaders who had allegedly received a "deposit" to sell the party to President William Ruto.

"The ODM that used to defend Kenyans has now been bought by Ruto through Gladys Wanga and Oburu Odinga. I told the people of ODM that Ruto will finish your party," Gachagua said on Saturday in Dagoretti.

However, speaking during an ODM Youth Convention in Nairobi on Monday, Dr Oburu said the party is forging ahead and will not be derailed by such claims, warning that the party can never be "swallowed."

“Our party will grow from strength to strength. It is too big to be swallowed. If you try to swallow it, your stomach will burst,” he said.

Speaking at the same forum, Junet dismissed the DCP leader’s claims, saying Gachagua is not qualified to advise the ODM.

“We cannot listen to people like Gachagua who lead a village party. Even Migori County is too big for his DCP party. He can talk all he wants about Oburu, Wanga, and Junet,” the Suna East MP said.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati, one of the party’s deputy leaders, scoffed at the claims, stating that ODM does not require resources from the government, as its leaders are capable of mobilising sufficient funds to run their activities.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho said that as a CS from ODM—alongside his "expert" colleagues—he will not abandon the party.

“We will die with this party. We will stand with our party in kind and in cash. If they bring money, we shall match it. Kwani iko nini? Kama noma, noma!”