Passaris Fires Back at Gachagua: ‘Focus on Your Party and Leave ODM Alone’

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has issued a strong message to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, telling him to stop interfering in ODM affairs and instead focus on his own party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

Speaking during a televised interview on Wednesday night, December 3, 2025, Passaris said ODM remains stable, united and well-structured despite the death of its longtime leader, Raila Odinga.

“With due respect to the former Deputy President, he should focus on his own party and leave ODM alone. ODM has been tried and tested; it has been around for 20 years,” she said.

Passaris pointed to ODM’s recent victories in Magarini and Kasipul as proof that the party is still strong and organised.

She stressed that although Raila’s passing created shockwaves, the party has remained firm.

“ODM is a strong party, and we have proved that by the recent wins in Magarini and Kasipul,” she said.

“There are people trying to create this notion of division. Raila died, yes, and there would be shock waves, but we are more than united. We have good leadership. 

ODM has structures, has its constitution, and has its own way of working. Our structures and membership are so strong, and our leadership is so focused," she added.

Passaris also dismissed Gachagua’s recent claims that ODM leaders, including National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, had “sold the party” to President William Ruto.

She argued that ODM’s decisions are guided by its members and leadership, not by outside forces.

“He is saying that Gladys Wanga and other leaders have sold the party. How can you sell a party? Can you sell ODM without its members?” she asked. “I feel like he should focus more on his own political party, not on ODM.”