Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has raised concerns over former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent endorsement of Raila Odinga’s 2027 presidential bid, warning the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to tread carefully.
Speaking on Sunday, March 2, 2025, Atandi dismissed Gachagua’s declaration as insincere, likening him to a “hyena eyeing political meat.”
Atandi criticized Gachagua’s sudden shift in allegiance, reminding Kenyans of his past opposition to Odinga’s leadership.
ODM Party leader Raila Odinga speaks during a past event. Photo: Nation Source: Facebook
He accused Gachagua of political hypocrisy, pointing out that the former Deputy President had previously labelled Odinga as unelectable and unacceptable to the Mt. Kenya region.
“I want to say that lately, I have seen some leaders claiming that they are ready to support Raila Odinga for president. There is a particular leader we recently impeached from the position of Deputy President.
“I want to describe that man as behaving like a hyena. He is looking at Raila’s offering as a piece of meat he can take and eat,” Atandi stated.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaks during the launch of Martha Karua PLP. Photo: Rigathi Gachagua Source: Facebook
The legislator urged the ODM party to remain vigilant, warning that Gachagua’s sudden admiration for Odinga’s political acumen could be a calculated move to infiltrate the party.
He cautioned that such alliances, if not carefully scrutinized, could undermine the party’s unity and long-term strategy.
Atandi emphasized that ODM’s primary focus should be on national stability and governance rather than engaging in political gamesmanship.
“Right now, we are focused on the stability of the Republic of Kenya. We are here to say that we will support President William Ruto to ensure that the country remains stable for the benefit of all of us,” he said.
Gachagua’s recent praise of Odinga and plans to seek his advice on building a formidable political party have stirred political debate.
The former Deputy President admitted regretting his past alliance with President Ruto, vowing that any future coalitions would be backed by legally binding agreements.
