Suba South Member of Parliament Caroli Omondi has claimed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was among the earliest financiers of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Omondi revealed that Gachagua had contributed Ksh2 million to the Orange party when it was being started.

However, he noted that Gachagua had been sent by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he had worked for as a personal assistant.

The Orange party lawmaker, who is among the ODM founder members, was defending his move to work with President William Ruto after he defeated Raila Odinga’s side during the 2022 general elections.

“I have been in this movement since university. I can predict where they will be. I know them; there is nothing I don’t know about ODM, and right now, I think I know all key political leaders because I have worked with them. Actually, Rigathi Gachagua was the first person to bring Ksh2 million when we were starting ODM, from Uhuru Kenyatta. Those were members of ODM,” he said.

Omondi on ODM joining government

He went ahead to argue that he knows ODM in and out and that he knew that ODM would later join him on the government side.

Omondi also noted that he has been vindicated following the ODM party’s decision to work with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in a broad-based government arrangement.

“So I know these people; I knew they would come, and I was not going to pretend about that. And I was vindicated,” he said.

ODM MPs’ first meeting with Ruto

Caroli Omondi was among the lawmakers who were termed as ODM rebel MPs when they were hosted by President William Ruto at State House in February 2023.

The ODM MPs who joined Ruto and his then deputy Gachagua for breakfast at State House on February 7, 2023, were Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Paul Abuor (Rongo), John Owino (Awendo), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.