Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has dismissed a meeting between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and leaders of the Linda Mwananchi Movement, saying the engagement has nothing to do with the legacy of the late Raila Odinga.
The meeting brought together Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi leaders at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro rural residence in Nyeri county on Tuesday, shortly after the former Deputy President returned to Kenya from the US.
The delegation included former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo, Linda Mwananchi head of communication Pauline Njoroge, DCP secretary general John Methu and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
Wanga, a close ally of President William Ruto, said ODM and the broad-based government were not threatened by emerging political engagements involving Gachagua and leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi.
The governor spoke on Wednesday in Kasipul, Homa Bay county, amid growing speculation that Gachagua’s DCP could work with the movement ahead of the 2027 general election.
“As a party [ODM] and the broad-based government are not intimidated,” Wanga said.
She said the foundation of the broad-based government was based on Raila’s vision of ensuring equitable development across the country regardless of how communities voted or their ethnic background.
“That is why we have said that we are ready with ‘Usawa ni Sawa’,” she said.
Wanga appeared to take issue with politicians seeking to associate themselves with Raila’s political legacy while engaging with leaders she accused of promoting ethnic politics.
“We have seen those people who sent those who were claiming that Baba’s spirit is with them. Those people who had sent them to Wamunyoro and other places have nothing common with Raila Odinga,” she said.
She portrayed Raila as a national unifier and contrasted his political legacy with what she described as divisive ethnic politics.
“Baba was Kenya’s unifier, while those ones are for dividing Kenya. Baba loved everyone from all corners; those ones hate and advance tribalism,” Wanga said.
“Baba or ODM cannot stay in a place with tribal people, who are dividing Kenyans, full of hatred and they only look at one region.”
The meeting has fuelled speculation of a possible political partnership between Gachagua and Sifuna, with Malala among those openly advocating for such an alliance.
Malala has argued that Gachagua and Sifuna could form a formidable political partnership capable of challenging Ruto in 2027.
He has also attended Linda Mwananchi meetings and previously indicated that he was representing Gachagua.
Gachagua welcomed the delegation to his rural home, referring to the visitors as his cousins and hinting at the possibility of deeper political engagement.
“Welcome to Wamunyoro residence, my cousins from Linda Mwananchi. When we come together, great things must happen,” he said.
The engagement came as political leaders stepped up consultations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
No formal political agreement between Gachagua and Linda Mwananchi was announced following the meeting, and details of their discussions were not immediately made public.
Gachagua returned to Kenya on Tuesday after spending close to two months in the US. He had left the country on Wednesday night, August 26, and largely stayed out of the public spotlight during his time abroad.
The former Deputy President has since focused on rebuilding his political base, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, following his impeachment in October 2024.
His engagement with Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi figures is therefore being closely watched for signs of a wider opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 polls.
Wanga maintained that ODM and the broad-based government would continue advancing the “Usawa ni Sawa” message as the country heads towards the 2027 election.
