NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused some Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders of undermining Raila Odinga’s political legacy, describing the party as a “pale shadow” of its former self barely a year after the veteran opposition leader’s death.
In a statement marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death, Gachagua said he had been invited by Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, to attend the commemorative event but could not make it because he was in the United States on a previously scheduled programme.
Gachagua thanked Ida for the invitation and described Raila as “the father of our democracy and defender of the rights of Kenyans”.
He also revisited remarks he made when Raila was inaugurated as Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson, insisting that his praise for the former Prime Minister and Ida had been sincere.
Gachagua Accuses Critics Of Pretending To Honour Raila
Gachagua criticised politicians who, he said, had previously used derogatory descriptions against Raila but were now publicly praising him following his death.
“I am a firm believer in giving a man his flowers when he is alive and hearing,” he said, adding that he abhorred what he described as political pretence and “crocodile tears”.
He cited past insults directed at Raila, including labels such as “mchawi”, “mganga” and “mtu ya kung’oa reli”, arguing that some of those who once demeaned the former Prime Minister were now presenting themselves as admirers of his legacy.
ODM A ‘Pale Shadow’ Of Its Former Self
The former Deputy President praised Raila for building a strong political party and encouraging his supporters to elect quality legislators.
He said he was seeking to emulate that approach by building his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) into a formidable political movement capable of shaping Kenya’s political debate for years.
Gachagua also said he had urged DCP members and Kenyans to elect quality legislators and reject leaders he referred to as “tugeges”.
However, he argued that ODM, which he described as one of Raila’s greatest political legacies, had been weakened by its current leadership.
“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,” Gachagua said.
His remarks add to the political debate surrounding ODM’s direction and leadership following Raila’s death.
Gachagua Questions Absence Of ODM Leaders
Gachagua also took aim at unnamed individuals whom he accused of contributing to ODM’s decline and said those he blamed for undermining the party had failed to attend Raila’s first anniversary commemoration.
He accused them of having “sold ODM” and destroying Raila’s political legacy, although his statement did not provide further details to substantiate the allegations.
The remarks underline the continuing political contest over Raila’s legacy, including his record in opposition politics, party-building and democratic reform.
Gachagua concluded his statement with a tribute to the late former Prime Minister: “Rest Well Jakom!”
