Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has reached out to two key ODM figures, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, asking them to consider joining DCP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Wednesday, December 3, Gachagua said the political environment in ODM may soon become hostile for leaders who do not align with President William Ruto’s growing influence over the party.
Gachagua claimed that President Ruto is tightening his grip on ODM and may eventually push out leaders such as Sifuna and Babu.
Gachagua claimed that President Ruto is tightening his grip on ODM and may eventually push out leaders such as Sifuna and Babu.
He added that DCP would be ready to welcome them if they ever felt sidelined or denied opportunities in their current party.
The former Deputy President praised Sifuna as a committed leader and said his party would not oppose supporting him if he decided to defend his Senate seat under the DCP banner.
The former Deputy President praised Sifuna as a committed leader and said his party would not oppose supporting him if he decided to defend his Senate seat under the DCP banner.
He extended a similar invitation to Babu Owino, who has openly shown interest in running for Nairobi governor in the next election cycle.
Gachagua said he believed his party was better positioned to win Nairobi than any faction that aligns itself with President Ruto.
Gachagua said he believed his party was better positioned to win Nairobi than any faction that aligns itself with President Ruto.
He dismissed the President’s political strength in the capital, arguing that DCP had a stronger connection with city voters.
His remarks come at a time when Babu Owino has expressed concern about his political future within ODM.
His remarks come at a time when Babu Owino has expressed concern about his political future within ODM.
The Embakasi East MP has claimed there may be an internal effort to block his bid for the governor’s seat in 2027.
However, ODM elder Dr. Oburu Oginga recently reassured him, saying the party would not deny him a ticket if he wins the nominations fairly.
Edwin Sifuna, despite serving as the party’s Secretary General, has also faced moments of friction within ODM.
Edwin Sifuna, despite serving as the party’s Secretary General, has also faced moments of friction within ODM.
In November, he joined Governor James Orengo in cautioning against giving in to pressure that could undermine ODM’s independence.
Both leaders argued that their party remains strong and should not become overly dependent on political partnerships.
Sifuna maintained that ODM has the capacity to produce national leaders, including a future president, if members remain united and focused.
Sifuna maintained that ODM has the capacity to produce national leaders, including a future president, if members remain united and focused.
His comments followed concerns raised by Winnie Odinga, who warned that some individuals were trying to influence party decisions behind the scenes.
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