Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that he will miss the first anniversary commemorations of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after receiving an invitation from his widow, Ida Odinga.
In a statement on Friday, October 16, Gachagua thanked Ida for inviting him to attend the event but explained that he was currently in the United States of America on a previously scheduled programme.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader expressed his appreciation for the invitation, describing Raila as the father of democracy and a defender of the rights of Kenyans.
Rigathi Gachagua. Photo: Courtesy.
Gachagua also recalled his remarks during Raila’s inauguration as Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson position, insisting that his praise for the former Prime Minister and Ida came from the heart.
He maintained that he believed in recognising leaders for their contributions while they were still alive rather than waiting until after their deaths.
The former Deputy President further criticised politicians who had previously used demeaning remarks against Raila but were now publicly praising him following his death.
Gachagua accused some leaders of engaging in political pretence and argued that Raila deserved genuine recognition for his contribution to the country.
He also praised Raila’s political legacy, particularly his role in building a strong political party and encouraging Kenyans to elect quality legislators.
However, Gachagua expressed concern over what he described as the decline of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), arguing that the party had lost much of its former influence.
He accused unnamed leaders of undermining the political movement Raila built and said he was working to establish DCP as a formidable political force in Kenya.
Gachagua also urged Kenyans to elect competent legislators, saying he hoped to follow Raila’s example in building a strong political movement.
