South Mugirango Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Sylvanus Osoro has refuted assertions made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that Raila Odinga has lost political relevance in Kenya.

While addressing residents of Rongo, Migori County on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Osoro invited Gachagua to Rongo, implying that being physically present in Kenya is necessary to understand whether Raila has lost popularity, rather than making claims from afar.

In addition, Osoro reminded Gachagua that the democracy he now enjoys was hard‑won by Raila Odinga, emphasising that Kenya would not have reached its current position without Raila’s tireless efforts.

He further accused the former deputy president of polarising rhetoric and ignoring Raila’s long-standing leadership role.

“Niliona Gachagua akiwa USA akisema Baba Raila Odinga amepoteza umaharufu Kenya hii, mimi naambia Gachagua wacha kuzungumuza ukiwa mbali kama unataka kujua kama baba amepoteza umaharufu kuja hapa Rongo,” he said.

“Raila Odinga si above your paycheck wachana na baba hii democracy unaongelea kila mahali ilipiganiwa na baba. Kenya hii haingekuwa mahali imefika kama si Raila Odinga.”

Gachagua on Raila’s influence

This comes after Gachagua disclosed that Raila had lost his political influence after joining President William Ruto’s administration through the formation of a broad-based government.

Speaking during an engagement session with Kenyans in Seattle on Friday, July 11, 2025, Gachagua mocked the formation of the broad-based government, arguing that even together, the opposition will unseat Ruto because former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has lost significant popular support.

The former Deputy President also said that the dream of making Ruto a one‑term president is still alive because Kenyans have lost faith in his leadership.

“I can tell you Raila Odinga brings nothing to the table, the Kambas were behind him, but they have left, the Kisiis have left, the Luhyas have left, the Masaais have left; the Luo nation has been divided in the middle, even if they are together, we will beat them 70 plus one,”Gachagua said.

“If Raila decides to run, Ruto will be number four in the election, either way, he is one term, so there is no problem, do not be worried the people of Kenya have made decisions which are finalised and nothing will change, 70% of Kenyans do not want him back.”