ODM MPs from the Nyanza region, led by Seme MP James Nyikal, addressing journalists at Bunge Towers on August 26, 2026 /DOUGLAS OKIDDYMPs from Nyanza have cautioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against making remarks they say could inflame political tensions in the region ahead of his planned visit.
The lawmakers, led by Seme MP James Nyikal, said Nyanza would welcome Gachagua like any other Kenyan leader but warned him against using his tour to attack the region or disparage political parties and leaders from the area.
The MPs took issue with Gachagua’s recent remarks, accusing him of making statements they said were disrespectful to Nyanza and amounted to disparaging the region's political party.
“While Gachagua is entitled to pursue his political ambitions and seek support in every part of Kenya, he must understand that Nyanza is neither politically naïve nor afflicted by collective amnesia,” Nyikal said.
“We particularly reject his attempt to prescribe how Nyanza should vote next year by wagering that President William Ruto will receive only 30 per cent of the region’s vote.”
“Nyanza does not take voting instructions from Rigathi Gachagua.”
Nyikal was accompanied by MPs David Ochieng’ (Ugenya), TJ Kajwang’ (Ruaraka), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul), Peter Orero (Kibra) and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem).
The leaders addressed a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday.
Nyikal said Gachagua should focus on selling his political agenda rather than attacking rival parties or communities, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could undermine efforts to foster national unity.
The MPs said Nyanza residents were capable of making independent political decisions and should not be portrayed as having a leadership vacuum.
They also rejected what they described as attempts to rewrite the region’s political history or demean parties that have enjoyed strong support in Nyanza.
Gachagua, who has been positioning himself as a key player in the 2027 political contest, is expected to intensify his engagements outside his traditional Central Kenya base as he seeks to build a broader national coalition.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri on Monday, the former DP announced plans to visit Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay and Kisumu as he seeks to strengthen his support across different regions of Kenya.
“There’s no conflict whatsoever between the Luo nation and Mt Kenya,” Gachagua said.
The MPs, however, questioned what they described as a sudden change in Gachagua’s attitude towards Nyanza, recalling that he had previously portrayed the region and its leadership as hostile to the government.
The planned visit to Nyanza came as opposition leaders stepped up efforts to consolidate support.
The MPs warned that while political competition was welcome, leaders seeking votes in Nyanza must respect the region and its people.
Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang’ cautioned the DCP boss against provoking the community, saying any reckless utterances would be met with a reaction from the people.
“We don’t want provocation; we react poorly to provocation. Don’t come and provoke us because our people will react, whether they respond in kind or rage, but they will respond,” Kajwang’ said.
