Political mobilizer and newly appointed Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital board member Calvince Okoth, alias Gaucho, broke down in an interview, opening up about alleged harassment and political tensions, while reaffirming his loyalty to the family of Raila Odinga.
Speaking during an interview, Gaucho said that he and members of the Odinga family have faced insults, including tribal remarks.
“ When I received the news about the passing of Raila, I cried bitterly. I was shocked, still in disbelief. I didn’t even want to go to his home until people asked me to. Raila was my father, and it pains me bitterly that he is no more,” said Gaucho as he struggled to hold back tears.
He recounted his political journey, crediting Rosemary Odinga for helping him rise from the slums of Mukuru Kwa Njenga to become a recognized political mobilizer within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
” I got close to Raila through his daughter Rosemary. She introduced me to the family, and that’s how I found myself in ODM and close to her father,” he said.
Despite challenges and internal pressures, he maintained that his allegiance to the Odinga family remains strong.
Gaucho Explains How He Became an Influencer of Raila Odinga
He recounted the attacks Mama Ida Odinga received after the death of her husband, arguing that if he were a member of parliament at the time of the passing of Raila, he would have protected her.
“I’m in pain because after his death, the people whom he helped the most are the people who fought his family and trolled Ida the most. If it weren’t for Raila, they would be nowhere to be seen,” said Gaucho.
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Gaucho also revealed that he was recently attacked by a group of armed individuals while heading to a rally, an incident that left him hospitalized.
He described the situation as serious and criticized what he termed as unfair treatment within his political ranks, calling for accountability and an end to hostility.
Additionally, Gaucho claimed that Raila’s death changed how his political party, ODM, was, noting that a lot of members have betrayed his movement and changed the initial goal of the party.
Gaucho Defends his Appointment on the Board of Members at Mama Lucy Hospital
His remarks come days after his appointment to the board of Mama Lucy Hospital, which has faced criticism from the public.
Gaucho described the pain he has endured, saying he felt overwhelmed and deeply hurt by constant criticism and public ridicule.
“ I was shocked because I didn’t know how to react since I thought the idea was forgotten after the death of Baba. I didn’t even thank Sakaja after appointing me until Ida called me and asked me to,” said Gaucho.
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Critics questioned his suitability for the role, citing a lack of education and a healthcare background, with some arguing the appointment was politically motivated.
In response, Gaucho defended the decision, saying he represents the lived experiences of youth from informal settlements who depend on the facility.
He also expressed gratitude to both Sakaja and President William Ruto.
Gaucho said that he has faced persistent attacks, including rumors and online abuse, which have affected his daily life. He added that he now struggles to move freely because of the hostility.
