Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing unnamed individuals of weakening the party and undermining the political legacy of the late Raila Odinga, one year after his death. Gachagua, who heads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), expressed disappointment over what he described as ODM’s decline, arguing that the party was among Raila’s most significant political achievements.
In a statement issued to mark the first anniversary of Raila’s death, Gachagua said the party had lost some of the political strength it had built under the former Prime Minister’s leadership. He described ODM as a diminished version of its former self, blaming unnamed politicians for allegedly betraying the movement Raila spent decades building.
Gachagua Questions Sincerity of Raila’s Tributes
The DCP leader also questioned the sincerity of politicians who have recently praised Raila, claiming that some of them had previously used insulting language when referring to the former Prime Minister. Gachagua cited descriptions such as “mchawi”, “mganga” and “mtu ya kung’oa reli”, arguing that the praise being expressed after Raila’s death contrasted with how some political figures had treated him while he was alive.
He maintained that leaders should recognise the contributions of their political rivals during their lifetime rather than wait until they have passed away to celebrate their achievements. Gachagua said he believed in appreciating people while they were still alive and able to hear the recognition, adding that he disliked what he considered political hypocrisy and insincere tributes.
Gachagua Seeks to Emulate Raila’s Political Strategy
Despite his criticism of ODM’s current state, Gachagua acknowledged Raila’s ability to build a strong political party and mobilise voters to elect capable representatives. He said these were important lessons he intended to apply as he continued developing DCP into a major political force in Kenya.
According to Gachagua, his ambition is to establish a political movement that will remain influential in national political debates for years to come. He also encouraged DCP members and Kenyans to prioritise the election of quality legislators who can effectively represent their constituents and address their concerns. Gachagua said strengthening political parties and choosing capable leaders were essential steps towards building movements that could maintain their influence beyond the leadership of their founders.
Gachagua Explains Absence From Raila’s Memorial
Gachagua’s statement also addressed his absence from the commemoration marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death. He revealed that he had received an invitation from Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, but was unable to attend the event because he was in the United States for a programme that had been scheduled earlier. The former Deputy President used the occasion to reflect on Raila’s political influence while reiterating his concerns about the direction ODM had taken since the veteran opposition leader’s death.
He further alleged that unnamed politicians had contributed to the party’s weakening and the erosion of Raila’s legacy, although he did not identify the individuals he was referring to. His remarks come amid continued reflection on Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s political landscape and the future of the party he led for many years.
