Gachagua: Raila is watermelon of Kenyan politics
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has labelled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga as the real watermelon of Kenyan politics, defending Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka from the oft-used term that implies political indecisiveness.
The remarks come just days after Raila said 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.
You might also like
Speaking on Sunday, September 28, 2025, during a church service in Kajiado County, Gachagua dismissed long-standing claims that Kalonzo is the most inconsistent politician. Instead, he shifted the label onto Raila, accusing him of flip-flopping throughout his career.
“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 stated.
Earlier, the Deputy President accused the ODM leader of long-standing deception, claiming that promises of a ‘political Canaan’ were for personal gain.
The Democracy for Citizens (DCP) leader exuded confidence in Kalonzo’s commitment to the country and distanced him from the watermelon label often used by critics to describe wavering political figures.
“From day one, Kalonzo has been consistent. So hiyo term ulikuwa umebandika Kalonzo tumekubandika wewe ndio watermelon. Kalonzo is a patriotic son of this republic,” he said.
He went on to question the ODM boss’s political trajectory, referencing his historical loss in the 1987 elections to argue that Raila has long demonstrated shifting allegiances and political strategies.
“Just do an analysis. Aliingia bunge mwaka wa 1987 akashindwa na Mwalimu. The real watermelon of Kenyan politics is Raila Amolo Odinga,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua hailed Kalonzo as a dependable and loyal statesman, highlighting his contributions to the country and his willingness to support the Kenya Kwanza administration’s agenda.
Also watch: Ruto mocks Kalonzo, calls him a ‘watermelon.’
The term “watermelon” has long been a controversial metaphor in Kenyan politics, often aimed at politicians perceived as double-speaking or ideologically ambiguous.
Kalonzo has historically borne the brunt of this label due to his perceived indecision during coalition-building periods, but Gachagua’s remarks signal a notable shift in that narrative.
