Nuru Okanga defends Gachagua shift, says his heart is in the opposition
Raila Odinga’s diehard fan Nuru Maloba Okanga has hit back at online critics who have persistently ridiculed and attacked him ever since he shared a photograph with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and declared that he had shifted his political allegiance.
In a video posted on his Facebook page on Friday, May 23, 2025, Okanga asserted that no one should reprimand him for his political shift, insisting that his decision was guided by the firm belief that Gachagua now represents the true and unwavering opposition in the country.
According to him, his loyalty has always been rooted in the opposition, and now that Gachagua’s wing has remained steadfast in countering President Ruto’s administration without wavering, he found it necessary to align himself with that side in order to continue standing for the ideals closest to his heart and conscience.
“I have seen many of you posting online. I moved to support Wamunyoro because Wamunyoro is in the opposition, and I, too, belong in the opposition. Let me do my work. If you wish to support Ruto’s government, go ahead — but I am staying in the opposition,” he declared.
He went on to urge all those dragging his name — including his former political ally and ex-President of Bunge la Mwananchi, Calvince Okoth, alias Gaucho — to stop subjecting him to daily ridicule, firmly stating that aside from ideological conviction, his move was also a personal decision which no one has the right to question or influence.
He added that if those throwing insults at him are doing so in hopes of pushing him into joining Ruto’s camp, then they are wasting their time, as he has made his choice and is not entertaining second thoughts.
“I want to tell you to leave my life alone. If you have chosen to support Ruto — even Gaucho — that is up to you, especially if he is offering you handouts. As for me, I have chosen to walk with Wamunyoro, or even Kalonzo, and that whole team including Matiang’i, because they are standing in the opposition,” he said.
Okanga went on to cite examples of several senior and seasoned political figures who are currently in the opposition and have deliberately chosen not to join President Ruto’s government, noting that he draws confidence from walking the same path as them.
He named Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, Babu Owino, and James Orengo, describing them as thoughtful and experienced leaders who fully understand the significance of remaining on the side that questions and holds power to account.
“Even if I received something from Wamunyoro, Natembeya is in the opposition, and so is Wamalwa. No one is going to control my life — not Gaucho, not even Jaro Soldier. Everyone should focus on their own business. I did not even know Gaucho that well,” he remarked.
Raila Odinga factor
Nuru, who rose to national prominence due to his unwavering admiration for ODM party leader Raila Odinga, clarified that although he has stepped away from Raila’s current political path, that does not mean he holds any resentment or hatred towards him.
He explained that what disappointed him was Raila’s decision to shake hands with President Ruto — a gesture he described as cloaked in the guise of a broad-based government — but affirmed that he still deeply respects Raila, especially since he once helped him financially when he was building his home.
“I love Raila Odinga because he contributed something towards my house. I called him, and he helped me buy construction materials. If the opposition gives me money, where is the harm in that? I have no problem with Baba — he helped me — but it was Salasya who helped me complete the house,” he added.
However, Okanga insisted that Raila’s move to join hands with the ruling regime does not mean that all his followers must blindly follow suit, and maintained that every supporter has a right to make independent decisions based on their own convictions.
“There is no place in the Constitution where it is written that because Baba has joined the government, his entire team must follow him there. Babu Owino is still in the opposition, and so is James Orengo. Why are you not criticising Orengo? And you, Gaucho, just because you have aligned yourself with the government, do not think you have risen above everyone else,” he concluded.
