In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Sunday, January 12, 2026, Alai questioned the sincerity of Gachagua’s remarks, arguing that the former deputy president has historically positioned himself as a fierce critic of ODM and its leadership.
“A man who hates ODM with a passion, whining about how Ruto is finishing ODM,” Alai wrote, dismissing Gachagua’s claims as opportunistic and self-serving.
Alai, an outspoken ODM loyalist and close ally of party leader Raila Odinga, argued that any weakening of the Orange party would naturally benefit Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), making it illogical for the former deputy president to present himself as a defender of ODM.
“The death of ODM is an opportunity for DCP. Why is the DCP owner pretending to suddenly care for ODM?” Alai posed, suggesting that Gachagua’s statements were part of a broader political strategy rather than genuine concern.
The exchange comes amid heightened political realignments following the dramatic fallout between President William Ruto and his former deputy.
Since his impeachment, Gachagua has repositioned himself as a key opposition figure, aligning with leaders from the United Opposition bloc as the race toward the 2027 General Election gathers momentum.
In recent weeks, Gachagua has intensified his criticism of President Ruto, accusing him of engineering divisions within opposition parties in a bid to weaken any unified challenge to his re-election bid.
It is within this context that Gachagua has raised alarm over what he claims is a deliberate attempt by the Kenya Kwanza administration to fragment ODM, traditionally the country’s strongest opposition party.
Speaking during a church service in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, on Sunday, January 11, Gachagua alleged that President Ruto had instructed senior figures, including Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Cooperative CS Wycliffe Oparanya, to seek control of ODM’s leadership.
According to Gachagua, the alleged plan involves pushing ODM leaders into a power struggle that would either split the party or reduce it into a regionally confined outfit.
“He has decided to divide and finish ODM. He has instructed Joho and Oparanya to demand party leadership. If they are not made party leaders, they should form their own parties. Ruto wants to make ODM a Luo party,” Gachagua claimed.
The remarks have sparked debate within opposition circles, with some leaders dismissing the claims as speculative, while others warn of state interference in party politics.
Alai, however, rejected Gachagua’s narrative, arguing that the former deputy president lacks the moral authority to lecture ODM on unity or survival.
He noted that Gachagua spent years opposing ODM both inside and outside government, particularly during the 2022 General Election when he was one of President Ruto’s most aggressive political enforcers against the opposition.
“To suddenly turn around and act like a guardian of ODM is not just dishonest; it is insulting to party members who have endured years of attacks from the same individual,” Alai argued.
The MCA further suggested that Gachagua’s statements were designed to sow suspicion within ODM ranks at a time when the party is managing internal debates over leadership, coalition talks, and its strategy for 2027.
ODM has in recent weeks faced public scrutiny over internal disagreements involving senior leaders, including debates around possible pre-2027 engagements with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
However, party leaders have consistently maintained that these discussions are part of normal democratic processes and do not signal an imminent split.
Acting party leader Oburu Odinga and party vice chair Otiende Amollo have both downplayed claims of internal collapse, insisting that ODM remains united and focused on its long-term political objectives.
In recent weeks, Gachagua has intensified his criticism of President Ruto, accusing him of engineering divisions within opposition parties in a bid to weaken any unified challenge to his re-election bid.
It is within this context that Gachagua has raised alarm over what he claims is a deliberate attempt by the Kenya Kwanza administration to fragment ODM, traditionally the country’s strongest opposition party.
Speaking during a church service in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, on Sunday, January 11, Gachagua alleged that President Ruto had instructed senior figures, including Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Cooperative CS Wycliffe Oparanya, to seek control of ODM’s leadership.
According to Gachagua, the alleged plan involves pushing ODM leaders into a power struggle that would either split the party or reduce it into a regionally confined outfit.
“He has decided to divide and finish ODM. He has instructed Joho and Oparanya to demand party leadership. If they are not made party leaders, they should form their own parties. Ruto wants to make ODM a Luo party,” Gachagua claimed.
The remarks have sparked debate within opposition circles, with some leaders dismissing the claims as speculative, while others warn of state interference in party politics.
Alai, however, rejected Gachagua’s narrative, arguing that the former deputy president lacks the moral authority to lecture ODM on unity or survival.
He noted that Gachagua spent years opposing ODM both inside and outside government, particularly during the 2022 General Election when he was one of President Ruto’s most aggressive political enforcers against the opposition.
“To suddenly turn around and act like a guardian of ODM is not just dishonest; it is insulting to party members who have endured years of attacks from the same individual,” Alai argued.
The MCA further suggested that Gachagua’s statements were designed to sow suspicion within ODM ranks at a time when the party is managing internal debates over leadership, coalition talks, and its strategy for 2027.
ODM has in recent weeks faced public scrutiny over internal disagreements involving senior leaders, including debates around possible pre-2027 engagements with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
However, party leaders have consistently maintained that these discussions are part of normal democratic processes and do not signal an imminent split.
Acting party leader Oburu Odinga and party vice chair Otiende Amollo have both downplayed claims of internal collapse, insisting that ODM remains united and focused on its long-term political objectives.
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