Rigathi Gachagua has accused politicians who once criticised Raila Odinga of offering insincere tributes following his death, warning that the late opposition leader’s political legacy is at risk as ODM struggles to maintain its influence.
The former Deputy President made the remarks on Thursday, October 15, 2026, as Kenya marked the first anniversary of Raila’s death, turning the commemoration into an opportunity to question the direction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), questioned the sincerity of politicians who have recently praised Raila despite previously using derogatory language against him.
“I have seen those who called him mchawi, mganga, mtu ya kung’oa reli, the lord of poverty and other demeaning adjectives singing all manner of fake praises to the late Raila Odinga,” Gachagua said.
He argued that Raila’s legacy should be judged not only by the tributes delivered after his death but also by whether the political institutions he built continue to thrive.
“I am a firm believer in giving a man his flowers when he is alive and hearing,” he said.
His remarks added to the debate over how political leaders should honour Raila’s contribution to Kenyan politics and whether their current actions reflect the positions they held while he was alive.
Gachagua Says ODM Is a ‘Pale Shadow’ of Its Former Self
Gachagua directed his sharpest criticism at ODM, the party Raila led for more than two decades and which became one of Kenya’s most influential political movements.
“It is a pity, just one year after his death, that his greatest legacy, the ODM party, is now a pale shadow of its former self,” he said.
The DCP leader’s assessment comes amid disagreements over ODM’s political direction, its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration and the future of the party following the death of its founding leader.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the political divide. Anniversary events, including the main commemoration in Bondo, Siaya County, brought together leaders and supporters to remember his contribution to the country.
However, questions over the party’s future have continued to shape political debate, with different factions offering competing interpretations of Raila’s legacy.
Gachagua also accused some politicians of contributing to ODM’s decline by allowing the party to fall into the hands of individuals he believes do not remain faithful to Raila’s political ideals.
His comments represent his assessment of the party’s condition rather than an established measure of ODM’s current strength.
DCP Leader Says He Wants to Learn From Raila
Despite his criticism, Gachagua praised Raila’s ability to build a strong political organisation and encourage supporters to elect capable legislators.
“I admire Baba’s legacy in building a strong political party and urging his followers to elect quality legislators,” he said.
Gachagua said he hoped to apply similar lessons as he builds DCP into a political movement capable of influencing Kenya’s future.
He also urged party members and Kenyans to elect quality representatives while rejecting leaders he described as “tugeges”, a derogatory political term used to portray politicians perceived as lacking independence or substance.
The remarks place Raila’s record at the centre of a wider political conversation ahead of the 2027 General Election, as different leaders draw lessons from his career to advance their own arguments about party organisation, leadership and accountability.
For Gachagua, the key lesson appears to be the importance of building a party with strong structures and legislators capable of maintaining its influence beyond the lifetime of its founder.
Gachagua Thanks Ida Odinga for Anniversary Invitation
Gachagua also expressed gratitude to Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, for inviting him to the first-anniversary commemoration.
The DCP leader, however, said he could not attend because he was in the United States for a previously scheduled programme.
He recalled his earlier remarks during Raila’s inauguration as a candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson, insisting that his praise for the former Prime Minister and Ida had been genuine.
“Those words about Raila and Mama Ida came from my heart and I meant each and every word that I said on the day,” he said.
His message combined an expression of respect for the late opposition leader with criticism of the politicians now associated with his legacy.
As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over Raila’s political inheritance is likely to remain significant, particularly as ODM navigates questions of leadership, internal unity and its relationship with the government.
For Gachagua, the survival and strength of the party Raila built will be a crucial test of whether the former Prime Minister’s political legacy is being preserved or allowed to fade.