Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained his absence from the first anniversary commemorations of Raila Odinga’s death, saying he was in the United States for a programme arranged earlier, as he criticised ODM leaders over what he described as the party’s declining influence.
In a statement issued on October 15, 2026, Gachagua thanked Mama Ida Odinga for inviting him to the main memorial event at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
The former deputy president paid tribute to Raila, describing him as a father of Kenyan democracy and a defender of citizens’ rights. However, his message also took aim at politicians whom he accused of praising the late opposition leader despite having previously disparaged him.
Gachagua says his absence was due to prior commitments
Gachagua said he was unable to attend the commemorations because he was in the United States on a previously scheduled programme.
He recalled publicly praising Raila and Ida during the late politician’s inauguration as a candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson position, insisting that his words had been sincere.
“Those words about Raila and Mama Ida came from my heart, and I meant each and every word,” he wrote.
He also argued that leaders should recognise and appreciate people’s contributions while they are still alive, rather than waiting until their deaths to celebrate them.
Former DP accuses politicians of insincere tributes
Gachagua criticised politicians he accused of previously using derogatory language against Raila but now publicly honouring him following his death.
He cited phrases such as “mchawi”, “mganga”, “mtu ya kung’oa reli” and “the lord of poverty”, arguing that the contrast between past remarks and current tributes raised questions about the sincerity of some leaders’ praise.
His comments added a political dimension to anniversary commemorations that were also marked by calls to honour Raila’s legacy.
Gachagua draws parallels between ODM and his party
The former deputy president also criticised ODM, claiming that the party had lost much of the political influence it built under Raila’s leadership.
He described ODM as “a pale shadow of its former self” and accused some political figures of contributing to the weakening of the movement the late opposition leader had built over several decades.
Gachagua further criticised those he accused of undermining Raila’s political legacy, using sharp language to describe their role in the party’s current state.
He linked Raila’s approach to political organisation to his own ambitions for the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), saying he wanted to build it into a formidable political movement.
He urged party members and Kenyans to reject what he called “tugeges” and elect capable representatives.
Gachagua concluded his tribute with the words: “Rest Well, Jakom!”
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