Millie Odhiambo: Without Gachagua’s backing, no one can win in Mt Kenya
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 24, 2026Suba North Member of Parliament (MP) Millie Odhiambo has weighed in on the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, arguing that the results demonstrated the political influence former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now commands in the Mt Kenya region.
In a statement shared on her social media pages on Friday, July 24, 2026, Odhiambo said commenting on the by-election was what she described as “wading in muddy waters” but insisted that the contest carried significant political implications for both the Broad-Based Government and the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to the ODM lawmaker, the by-election proved that Gachagua has firmly consolidated his grip on the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua’s Mt Kenya influence
She argued that the results showed Central Kenya is almost entirely behind Gachagua, estimating his support at about 90 per cent.
Odhiambo further claimed that any politician seeking elective office in the region without Gachagua’s endorsement would begin the race at a major disadvantage.
“If you do not sing his tune in Mt Kenya, starting that day, you start at a 10% chance of winning. Some leaders just might evade this. But it’s gonna be hard.”
She also noted that the victory strengthens Gachagua’s claim to steer the opposition coalition heading into the next general election.
On the broad-based government side, Odhiambo said the by-election served as a test of the coalition’s electoral strategy and exposed major weaknesses that must be addressed before 2027.
She argued that the outcome also disproved claims that President William Ruto still enjoys significant support in the Mt Kenya region.
In her concluding remarks, the legislator advised President Ruto to closely monitor the political influence of his former deputy.
“President Ruto should keenly observe his former deputy. He has a tendency of giving many free passes.”
Odhiambo ended her remarks by hinting that she was gradually shifting her political position, although she did not disclose which side she was leaning towards.
“Bado niko kwa fence, but one foot is almost landing on that side. No. It’s not that side you are saying.”