Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has extended an invitation to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino to join his party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Wednesday, December 3, the former Deputy President suggested that the two prominent ODM politicians may soon find themselves without a home in the Orange Party following President William Ruto's growing influence over the outfit.
Gachagua claimed that President Ruto, having allegedly ‘bought’ ODM, is now moving to push out key figures who do not align with his agenda.
"William Ruto has said, once he buys ODM, he doesn't want Sifuna there," Gachagua stated.
"Edwin Sifuna, I want to tell you my brother, you are a good leader. If you are chased from ODM, you are welcome in DCP. Sifuna is a good senator in Nairobi and I have no problem with DCP supporting Sifuna to be the Senator of Nairobi,” Gachagua stated.
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The DCP leader also extended the same invitation to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has been eyeing the position of Nairobi governor.
"Ruto said even Babu Owino will have to leave ODM. Babu Owino, if you are also chased, come to DCP," Gachagua said, adding, "If Babu and Sifuna feel uncomfortable in DCP, go to Wiper, our partner."
Gachagua expressed confidence that his party would triumph in Nairobi, dismissing President Ruto's influence in the capital.
"I want to tell the ODM that if they follow William Ruto they will get nothing in Nairobi. He has 24,000 votes in Nairobi. I'm clear in my mind that we will win," he declared.
The invitation comes at a time when Babu Owino has openly expressed concerns about his political future within ODM. The MP has previously indicated that there may be a scheme to deny him the party ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial race.
However, ODM elder Dr. Oburu Oginga moved to reassure the legislator during a meeting on October 30, stating, "Babu Owino symbolizes the vibrant energy and determination of our youth. He has a promising future, and we are together."
In an interview with Ramogi TV, Dr. Oburu dismissed suggestions that the party would block Babu's ambitions.
"I do not know why he believes he cannot be given the ODM ticket to vie for Nairobi Governor. I do not think there can be any reason to deny him the ticket if he wins the nominations. If he wins, he will get it."
Edwin Sifuna, despite serving as ODM Secretary General, has also faced internal challenges within the party.
In November, Sifuna joined forces with Siaya Governor James Orengo to push back against what they described as desperation within ODM ranks.
The two leaders argued that President Ruto needs ODM more than the party needs him, and warned against selling out the party's principles.
"We want a government that is accountable and now, as we speak, I dare say, Ruto needs ODM, it's not ODM that needs Ruto," Orengo stated during a public address.
Sifuna echoed these sentiments, calling on party members to resist narratives suggesting ODM cannot produce a presidential candidate.
"There are people claiming that within ODM no one can become President, I want to tell you if we rally behind any one of us, we shall win the elections. Let us go back to our roots, let us not be people who are begging what can be rightfully ours," he said.
The remarks followed a warning from Raila Odinga's daughter, Winnie, who cautioned that some individuals were attempting to compromise the party's independence behind closed doors.
