Vocal activist Nuru Okanga meets Gachagua in surprise talks

Vocal political activist Nuru Okanga, a diehard supporter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, met with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Okanga, known for his fiery political speeches and aggressive grassroots mobilisation, is a prominent member of Bunge la Mwananchi, an informal assembly of activists based at Nairobi’s Jeevanjee Gardens.

The park is a popular gathering spot for Kenyans interested in political discourse, hosting public discussions, civic forums, and debates on national issues.

Okanga posted photos on his Facebook page showing him alongside Gachagua, including one image where he mimicked the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) symbol of touching the ear.

However, he did not provide details about the meeting, which comes just days after Gachagua unveiled the DCP in Nairobi.

“Today was my pleasure meeting with DCP party leader Hon. Rigathi Gachagua,” Okanga captioned the post.

In a separate post, Okanga also shared photos of meetings with Safina Party leader Jimmy Wanjigi and lawyer Willis Otieno.

The activist’s appearance during the arraignment of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has further raised eyebrows over a potential shift in his political allegiance.

Okanga, who once delivered blistering speeches against Gachagua at Bunge la Mwananchi—criticising his leadership style both during and after his tenure as deputy president—has been one of Raila Odinga’s most outspoken defenders.

His frequent and often controversial public remarks have made him a political figure of interest, especially on social media and the streets.

In 2024, he was charged in court over remarks made against President William Ruto.

Though his political influence remains debatable, Okanga has drawn the attention of prominent political figures.

In August last year, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi gifted him Sh1.3 million to start a business after they appeared together on the Obinna TV Show.

Sudi also promised to buy him a three-bedroom house under the government's affordable housing program.

Sudi's gesture followed a public promise to "change Okanga’s life" after the activist revealed his difficult living conditions, including having to shower outside.

"Wewe kama Okanga unataka nikusaidie aje? (How do you want me to help you, Okanga?)" Sudi asked during the show.

"Sema shida zako zote hapa leo. Solution iko hapa. Uko na shida gani? Sema zote, yeye (Sudi) atakuambia ataona hii na hii," host Obinna urged.

Okanga responded that he is the sole breadwinner for his family and had hoped to start a salon business for his wife, but lacked the capital.

"If I get Sh300,000, because that is hers, I’ll be okay. I want to keep her busy," he said.

He added: "Mimi kama Nuru Okanga, shida zangu ni mingi, lakini nataka niende straight to the point. Kama unaeza nipatia Sh1 million, maisha yangu itakuwa sawa sana. (I, Nuru Okanga, have many problems, but to be direct—if you can give me Sh1 million, my life will be greatly improved)," He stated.