Barrack Muluka: Why Gachagua’s attempt to mirror Raila’s leadership style will fail
By Mabonga Makhanu, December 6, 2025Political analyst Barrack Muluka has said that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is unlikely to emulate the leadership style of the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking during an interview on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Muluka argued that Gachagua’s plan to replicate Raila’s dominance over his support base in Nyanza and other parts of the country is unrealistic. He explained that Gachagua lacks the moral authority and political credentials that made Raila Odinga such a respected leader.
According to Muluka, Raila Odinga began his political career focused on national issues rather than personal grievances or feelings of injustice, like Gachagua is doing after being impeached.
He further notes that His struggles for the country, particularly during his presidential campaigns in 2006 and 2007, earned him credibility that is difficult for anyone to replicate
Muluka noted that Gachagua is attempting to style himself as a version of Raila Odinga, but he lacks the moral authority to do so.
“Unlike Raila, who did not begin his political career out of vindictiveness, anger, or a sense of personal grievance, Gachagua’s approach is different,” Muluka said.
Muluka added that even within Raila’s close political circle, very few could match his stature, citing James Orengo and Professor Peter Nyongo, both of whom spent time in exile. Muluka emphasised that the “shoes” of Raila Odinga are too big and too heavy for anyone attempting to fill them.
Gachagua’s admiration of Raila
The remarks follow recent comments by Gachagua, who expressed admiration for Raila Odinga.
He highlighted Raila’s ability to build a strong team of MPs with legal expertise, including Otiende Amollo and Orengo, as a key factor in ODM’s growth and longevity over two decades.
Gachagua contrasted this with the Mount Kenya region, where he said the pool of political leaders lacks comparable experience and qualifications.
Gachagua urged legal professionals from Mount Kenya to take up leadership roles in the community. He revealed that out of the 140 MPs he plans to support under his DCP party, he aims for 40 to be lawyers, underscoring his commitment to building a capable political team.