ODM Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of promoting tribal divisions, defending the broad-based government arrangement between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as a path to national unity and development.

Omanyo said the late Raila Odinga’s legacy was built on bringing Kenyans together across ethnic and political divides, warning leaders claiming to uphold his ideals against embracing divisive politics.

Speaking during a women’s empowerment programme in Meru organised by Raila ally and Director Zabron Mathenge, Omanyo praised her host for welcoming her during the month-long commemoration of the former Prime Minister.

“I want to salute Mathenge for the warm welcome because this is the month of remembering Raila. We were in Turkana and now we are in Meru because Baba had friends all over Kenya. I am very happy and confident as Raila’s daughter that we are welcome in Meru,” she said.

She said Raila believed Kenyans could coexist peacefully regardless of their ethnic backgrounds or political affiliations.

“Baba did not like tribalism. That is why you see me going to Turkana and Meru. We are Kenyans and we can accommodate one another. We must coexist even if you belong to another political party. Everyone’s opinion is valid,” she said.

Omanyo defended cooperation between ODM and UDA, saying the arrangement should be judged by its contribution to development rather than treated as a contest between political parties.

“It should be a win-win situation; it is not a battle. I am in ODM, he is in UDA, and we are partnering to make a better Kenya,” she said.

She also praised Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, saying political differences should not stand in the way of cooperation.

“I want to congratulate our Deputy President. He came to Busia, where we come from, and now I have returned the favour after hearing that my fellow women had a Harambee here. There is no division between us and our brother Kithure Kindiki. Wherever he is, I pray for good things for him and CS Oparanya as well,” she said.

The ODM official said Raila’s vision was to ensure development reached all communities without discrimination. She urged young people to embrace people from different backgrounds and participate in initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods.

Omanyo, however, directed her sharpest criticism at Gachagua, accusing him of undermining national cohesion and warning those associating themselves with the former Deputy President to reconsider their position.

“I am here to warn Gachagua: there is no spirit of Baba in Gachagua. Anybody attached to him is an enemy of Kenyans. He does not want Kenyans to be together,” she said.

She challenged those claiming to carry forward Raila’s political ideals to reject divisive politics and focus on solutions to the country’s challenges.

“Those who say they have the spirit of Baba should go back to the drawing board because the spirit of Baba does not entertain politics of division. Baba’s spirit was about coming up with practical solutions for all Kenyans,” she said.

Omanyo said ODM would continue reaching out to communities across the country to promote unity and advance Raila’s legacy, urging young people to support initiatives that bring Kenyans together.

She announced that the month-long commemoration of Raila would culminate in an event at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on October 31, inviting those who shared his ideals to attend.

“If you loved Baba, come so that we can remember him together and continue his legacy,” she said.