Raila Odinga Trashes Gachagua’s ‘Hi Cousins’ Slogan, Terms It Divisive: "We're All Kenyans"
- Raila Odinga dismissed Rigathi Gachagua’s “hi cousins” slogan as divisive, warning it risks deepening ethnic lines in a fragile political climate
- Speaking at a burial in Karachuonyo, Raila questioned what such tribal greetings imply about communities that are not "cousins"
- He accused Gachagua of reviving the dangerous idea of political shareholding, where services depend on voting patterns rather than rights
- Raila urged leaders to reject tribal politics and focus on building an inclusive Kenya where development is not a political reward
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Homa Bay - Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has slammed former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s popular “hi cousins” slogan.
Source: Getty Images
The former prime minister didn't shy away from expressing his feelings, branding it divisive and dangerous for national unity.
Why did Raila warn against 'hi cousin' slogan?
During the burial of Phoebe Asiyo on Friday, August 8, at Wikondiek Secondary School in Karachuonyo constituency, Raila dismissed Gachagua’s remarks to the Kamba community as exclusionary.
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The ODM leader warned that language centred around tribal relationships risks deepening ethnic fault lines at a time when the country should be healing.
"After calling others your cousins, what about those who are not your cousins? Don't go and say that Kenya is sectionalised. People from Lake Victoria, people from Rift Valley and people from the highlands, we are one people. We are all Kenyans," Raila affirmed, adding that being Kenyan is not a question of blood relationships.
The slogan 'hi cousins' gained prominence when Gachagua addressed the Kamba community in July, seemingly extending an olive branch to the region, which has historically aligned with the opposition.
He described them as 'cousins' to the Kikuyu community, citing shared ancestry as members of the Bantu speakers.
The phrase was seen by some as a witty political gesture to woo and galvanise new allies, but critics argue it plays into ethnic patronage.
Raila, however, warned that such identity politics could alienate communities and frame governance as a tribal bargain rather than a national obligation.
The veteran opposition leader stated that Kenya’s political class must rise above tribal alliances and build an inclusive country.
How did Raila slam Gachagua's politics?
He also took aim at Gachagua's past balkanisation of the country into shareholder and non-shareholder, accusing him of weaponising state services against those who don't vote for him.
He condemned the narrative that some regions have “shares” in government while others do not.
The ODM boss reiterated that every Kenyan is a taxpayer and therefore has an equal stake in the government.
He warned against creating the impression that development is a reward for political loyalty rather than a constitutional right.
"You collect taxes from them and say they do not deserve services because they did not vote for you. Shame on you," he observed.
He said he was confident that they would move beyond 2027 with the broad-based government program, and anybody with a contrary opinion should wait for 2027 when fresh elections will be held.
How did Gachagua criticise Raila?
Raila's sentiments come hours after Gachagua launched a fierce attack on both President William Ruto and Raila, likening them to “two hyenas” feeding on Kenya’s resources.
Gachagua dismissed Raila as no different from Ruto, accusing them of betraying the public through their handshake-style cooperation.
He said Raila had sold out the opposition for personal gain and could no longer be trusted to hold the government accountable.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Didacus Malowa (Political and current affairs editor) Didacus Malowa is a political and current affairs editor at TUKO.co.ke. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Technology with IT from Maseno University in 2021. He has over two years of experience in digital journalism. Email: didacus.malowa@tuko.co.ke
Florence Owiti (freelance editor) Florence Owiti is a bold print journalist who covers current affairs topics including politics, climate change, courts and crime, devolution and governance. She has reported for TUKO.co.ke from mid-2022 from Homa Bay and neighbouring counties. She possesses a diploma in journalism and media pursued at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic. You can reach her at flowiti0098@gmail.com.
