NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has eulogized former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as “the father of our democracy” and an “indefatigable lion of Africa,” in a significant tribute that underscores the profound cross-political respect for the late opposition leader.
“Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well,” Gachagua began, extending his and his family’s prayers to Mama Ida Odinga, the children, and the people of Kenya.
He memorialized Odinga as “a formidable hero of Kenya’s 2nd liberation,” who “stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge, and quest for democracy.”
The eulogy explicitly acknowledged the personal sacrifices Odinga endured, noting he “faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained severally for Kenya.”
The tribute chronicled Odinga’s extensive career, from his early days as a political activist, civil servant, and university lecturer to his highest electoral positions as Member of Parliament, Party Leader, Cabinet Minister, and Prime Minister.
“On all these, your trail of success and impact remains indelible,” Gachagua stated.
He pinpointed Odinga’s frontline role in two of Kenya’s most critical democratic milestones: the fight for multi-party democracy in the 1990s and the campaign for the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
“We the people of Kenya shall never forget,” Gachagua affirmed, a recognition that aligns with historical accounts from the Nation, BBC, and other credible chroniclers of Kenya’s political history.
Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya.The enigma Baba, the father of our
The most politically revealing part of the message came from Gachagua’s candid admiration for Odinga’s skills as a party leader, despite their opposing sides.
“Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had a strong admiration of Raila Odinga’s art of forming and sustaining a strong political party that survived 4 general elections,” Gachagua wrote.
He expressed amazement at Odinga’s “choice of quality legislators to fly the party flag and eloquently articulate party policies.”
This acknowledgment speaks to the organizational strength of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has remained a dominant and cohesive political force for nearly two decades, a rarity in Kenya’s often-fluid political landscape.
Gachagua’s tribute concludes the chapter on one of Kenya’s most potent political rivalries with a note of profound respect.
“You are a hero celebrated home and away; you have not gone Raila Odinga, you have just faded away,” he stated, bidding farewell with the words, “Rest in peace Baba and may perpetual light shine upon you forever.”
As the nation mourns, this reconciliation-in-memoriam from a top government leader solidifies Raila Odinga’s status not merely as an opposition icon, but as a foundational pillar of the modern Kenyan state.
