Gaucho Clarifies His Relationship with Mama Ida Odinga

ODM loyalist Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, has addressed rumors surrounding his relationship with Mama Ida Odinga after doctored photos of the two went viral online.

In a statement on Thursday, Gaucho criticized the circulation of manipulated images showing him sharing cake with Mama Ida during his birthday celebrations. He questioned why individuals would go to such lengths to tarnish someone’s reputation just for online attention.

Gaucho praised Mama Ida, describing her as a highly respected figure in both social and diplomatic circles. “Dr. Mama Ida Odinga is a leader whose dignity and integrity are beyond reproach. In my view, she stands alongside iconic figures like the late Winnie Mandela,” he said.

He also warned that he would pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading the fake images. “Anyone attempting to damage Mama Ida’s name or reputation, whether through altered photos or content creation, should be prepared to face legal consequences,” he stated.

Gaucho revealed that his bond with Mama Ida and the Odinga family goes back years. He first met the family in 2013 through Rosemary Odinga, who later introduced him to the matriarch and her late husband, Raila Odinga. “Rosemary appointed me as chair of the youth volunteer team in Starehe Constituency, and we began a shared political journey. Since then, Baba and Mama Ida have treated me like a son,” he added.

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Other public figures have also fallen victim to AI-manipulated images. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, for example, recently had her photo with Mumias East MP Peter Salasya altered, prompting her to call on authorities to regulate the misuse of AI-generated content.