The now-viral photo, shared here, shows Oburu Odinga hugging Gachagua during a function in Machakos, just days after Sifuna was removed from his role as ODM party secretary general.
Political watchers say this hug is more than a casual gesture, it signals ODM’s clear alignment with President William Ruto, sending a warning to members who may resist the new direction.
Sifuna had previously crossed paths with Gachagua at another funeral days before his removal, highlighting the delicate balancing act party leaders must navigate in a shifting political landscape. With ODM increasingly toeing the Ruto line, those perceived to oppose the move risk marginalization or removal. Observers note that gestures at public events now carry heavier political weight than words in meetings.
The timing of Oburu’s embrace and the joking commentary by Amisi has sparked intense online debate. Analysts point out that this moment underscores how political loyalty, optics, and timing have become central to survival in the party.
Every wave, hug, or sidelong glance is now dissected by both supporters and critics, making Kenyan politics a high-stakes theatre even during funerals.
Meanwhile, Gachagua’s ally Hon Kanini Kega, who also serves as an EALA MP, has fanned the flames of political speculation, declaring that ODM’s “death is imminent” amid internal shakeups, a statement shared here. Analysts say this confirms just how volatile the opposition space has become, with leadership gestures scrutinized for signs of loyalty or dissent.
As the photo circulates online, Kenyans continue dissecting every detail, turning a moment of humor into a lens for understanding the shifting power dynamics in ODM and Kenyan politics at large.
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