A section of ODM leaders have come out gun blazing, warning opposition leaders against attacks on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
This comes after some opposition leaders led by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua dismissed claims linking him and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to Raila’s reported health issues.
ODM said Gachagua's faction is spreading false information about Raila's health, including unverified claims that he had travelled to Europe for medical treatment.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said Raila should be respected because he is the one who fought for the independence they are currently enjoying.
“The times Raila was fighting for Kenya’s democracy, members of the opposition were enjoying life. While he was jailed, some of them were already in leadership. When he was fighting for democracy, now the same people are using that to abuse him,” he said.
On her part, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga claimed that Gachagua is dividing the united opposition by undermining some leaders.
"Do not touch Baba, leave Baba alone," Wanga said.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina said that those attacking Raila should stop because he is not their agemate, but a veteran politician in the country.
On October 6, Nassir hit out at the United Opposition, claiming the group is obsessively dragging ODM leader Raila's name into their political campaigns.
“I have seen somebody talking about bacteria and viruses,” Nassir said.
“I just want to plead with them, in good faith, please let the name of Raila Amollo Odinga stay out of your mouth.”
The governor said Gachagua and his allies have no political standing to challenge Raila, a veteran opposition figure with decades of political and reformist struggle under his belt.
“He is not at your level,” Nassir declared.
“Whatever Raila has done for this country — even if it’s just a little — you cannot match. Stop talking about him.”
He added that the opposition should move beyond fixating on Raila, reminding Kenyans that it was Raila who rejected opportunities to stoke chaos in the country, choosing instead the path of peace.
“It cannot be every day, Raila this, Raila that," Nassir said.
Gachagua added that he and his allies wish Raila good health so that both he and President William Ruto can face them in the 2027 general elections.
“We want both of them on the ballot so we can send them home,” he said.
In the same political storm, Kalonzo’s Wiper party distanced itself from the controversy and fired back at ODM, accusing the party of hypocrisy.
