There was visible pain and agony at an Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) party Linda Ground rally in Malindi after a supporter boldly declared he would be voting for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the 2027 presidential election.
The ODM top brass had gathered to engage youths during the ODM Youth Convention Coast Region when a leader threw open the floor with a simple but loaded question—would the youth rather re-elect the president or back his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua?
Without a moment’s hesitation, one supporter snatched the microphone, standing right in front of Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, and bellowed a single word: “Gachagua!”
The crowd immediately tried to correct him as Joho stood there, visibly stunned, before eventually taking back the microphone.
The moment has since gone viral, drawing waves of laughter from non-ODM supporters across the country.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malalah was quick to mock the party, saying they clearly failed to read the room before organizing the rally.
“Politics is hard. These ones went to protect the ground before listening to the ground,” he quipped. “And the guy had already been given money for mobilization, plus a branded T-shirt and cap. Bread-based government is seeing bad things everywhere.”
Opposition aspirant and 2027 hopeful Pauline Njoroge also weighed in, simply adding: “Anyone but Ruto!”
Despite the embarrassing turn of events, Homa Bay Governor and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga remained composed, reaffirming the party’s stability and commitment to its course.
The incident, however, comes at a particularly sensitive time for ODM. The party has been navigating a rough patch, grappling with internal disputes following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the dramatic ouster of Edwin Sifuna as ODM secretary general, and the subsequent formation of the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
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