Gachagua brands Raila Kenya’s real watermelon
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 28, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has branded ODM leader Raila Odinga as the real watermelon of Kenyan politics, accusing him of lacking consistency in his alliances over the years.
Speaking in Kajiado on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Gachagua argued that Raila had repeatedly shifted political positions after every electoral defeat, joining hands with the same leaders he once opposed.
“The watermelon of this country ni Raila Odinga. Alisimama na Moi 1997, akashindwa, akaenda kwa Moi. Akashindwa na Kibaki 2007, akashikana na Kibaki. Akashindwa na Uhuru, akaenda kwa Uhuru, akashindwa na Ruto, akaenda kwa Ruto. Mtu ambaye hana msimamo katika Kenya, the real watermelon of Kenyan politics ni one Raila Amolo Odinga,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President went further to defend Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who has for years been nicknamed watermelon for wavering between government and opposition. Gachagua dismissed the label, instead transferring it to Raila.
Elsewhere, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni criticised Raila for allying with Ruto, calling it a betrayal.
“So hiyo term ulikuwa umebandika Kalonzo tumekubandika wewe ndio watermelon. Kalonzo is a patriotic son of this republic,” he added.
Gachagua questions Raila’s consistency
The remarks come just days after Raila clarified that ODM had not abandoned plans to field a presidential candidate in 2027. However, Gachagua insisted that Raila’s political record showed a pattern of compromise whenever defeat struck, often resulting in power-sharing deals with his rivals.
Prior to Raila’s remarks, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said ODM would field a presidential candidate in 2027.
Watermelon tag has long been used in Kenyan politics to describe leaders seen as inconsistent or unable to take a firm stand. By shifting the label from Kalonzo to Raila, Gachagua has rekindled debate over the former Prime Minister’s legacy and alliances.
Raila’s political journey spans decades, with major alliances forged at different moments, from his cooperation with former President Daniel arap Moi in the late 1990s, to his role in the Grand Coalition Government under President Mwai Kibaki after the disputed 2007 elections. Later, he joined hands with President Uhuru Kenyatta through the 2018 Handshake before entering into a pact with President William Ruto’s administration.