Calvin Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, has taken a swipe at ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, challenging him to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if he believes the party has lost its popularity.
Gaucho’s remarks come in response to Sifuna’s recent TV interview, where the Nairobi Senator stated that ODM’s relevance has diminished after some of its leaders, including Raila Odinga, aligned themselves with the Kenya Kwanza government.
“Sifuna was not speaking as ODM’s Secretary General, but as a mere citizen,” Gaucho, a self-declared ghetto president, claimed during a public address. “Na wewe ukiona kwamba party ya ODM imepotesa umaarufu kwa sababu ya kuungana na William Ruto, tafadhali toka huende utafute party yenye iko na umaarufu, uende utafute nayo kiti huko 2027, my friend.”
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He further accused Sifuna of lacking grassroots political support and insisted that ODM’s direction and influence still rests solely with its party leader, Raila Odinga.
“Wewe mwenyewe huna ground. Kama si Raila Odinga, hakuna mahali unaenda. Raila Odinga ndio ODM na ODM ni Raila,” Gaucho said, maintaining that no other leader has the mandate to guide party members.
He also hinted at upcoming protests being planned by sections of the Luo community, adding that the party remains strong and grounded in its original ideology despite recent collaboration with the government.
Online Reactions Split
The video clip of Gaucho’s remarks circulated widely on social media, triggering heated debates among Kenyans. While some defended Sifuna’s stance and urged for political renewal within the party, others backed Gaucho’s loyalty to Raila.
One user, Paliz Muziq, commented, “Raila akijishikilia Sifuna, ODM itakufa kama KANU. I believe Sifuna can win without Raila na ODM.”
Another, Kanoute Cyro, said, “Raila iliisha kitambo… Sifuna ako sawa. Raila atawamaliza nyinyi.”
However, others were more aggressive in their opposition, with one writing, “Sifuna aende huko mbali na hatumtakii ODM… kuma ya mamako na wacha kutuharibia party yetu.”
One user noted, “ODM will remain a Luo party by 2027,” reflecting ongoing ethnic and political tensions within the party’s base.
A Party in Transition?
The growing rift between ODM’s leadership and vocal grassroots supporters highlights the internal challenges facing the opposition party as it navigates its evolving relationship with President Ruto’s government.
Sifuna’s comments about the party’s diminishing popularity and lack of clear direction have stirred both introspection and backlash.
Raila Odinga, who has not publicly commented on the ongoing spat, remains a towering figure in Kenyan politics and within ODM. With the 2027 general elections looming, the party now faces a critical test of unity, identity, and future direction.