Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga’s political influence, stating that the Gikuyu, Embu, Meru, and Akamba (GEMA) communities will form the next government with or without his support.
Speaking during a church service in Machakos on Sunday, Gachagua asserted that GEMA communities had the numbers to dominate Kenya’s political landscape independently.
Ousted Deputy President Hon Rigathi Gachagua speaking during a church service at St James ACK in Kiambu. Photo: Rigathi Gachagua Source: Facebook
“GEMA ndiyo dawa ya Kenya. GEMA itaunda the next government,” he declared, expressing confidence in the communities’ ability to shape the country’s leadership.
Gachagua criticized President William Ruto, alleging that the president’s political survival currently hinges on Raila’s backing.
“Life support machine ya Ruto ni Raila saa hii. Akizima, amekwisha,” he claimed, predicting that Ruto would struggle to retain power in the 2027 elections. According to Gachagua, the president is likely to finish third or fourth in the polls.
ODM Party leader Raila Odinga. Photo: Raila Odinga Source: Facebook
Despite speculation about a potential alliance with Raila, Gachagua dismissed the veteran politician’s significance, insisting that GEMA’s unity alone was sufficient to secure victory.
“We have looked at the numbers, and they are good with or without him [Raila],” Gachagua remarked. He added that the nine million Gen Z voters would be a decisive factor in unseating Ruto.
“Ruto is not getting a vote from the 9 million Kenyan Gen Zs. Whether Raila is with him or not, we will defeat him,” he added.
ODM Party leader Raila Odinga speaks during a past event. Photo: Nation Source: Facebook
In recent weeks, Gachagua has intensified his political outreach, meeting with opposition leaders such as Wiper Party’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party, and Eugene Wamalwa of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya.
His efforts signal the emergence of a potential coalition aimed at challenging Ruto’s administration in the upcoming elections.
With political alliances shifting and rivalries deepening, Gachagua’s bold statements highlight the volatile nature of Kenya’s political landscape as the race to 2027 gains momentum.
