Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on politicians he accuses of undermining the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing their tributes as “crocodile tears” and claiming that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has become a pale shadow of its former self.
Gachagua made the remarks in a statement on Thursday, October 15, 2026, as Kenyans gathered in Bondo, Siaya County, to mark one year since Raila’s death.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader also explained why he did not attend the anniversary commemoration, revealing that Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, had invited him to the event.
“Thank you Mama Ida Odinga for your invitation to me to attend the first anniversary of the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, the father of our democracy and defender of the rights of Kenyans,” Gachagua said.
He attributed his absence to a previously scheduled engagement in the United States.
“I was not able to attend since I am away in the United States of America on a programme that was pre-planned,” he stated.
Gachagua: ‘I meant every word I said about Raila’
Reflecting on Raila’s legacy, Gachagua recalled the remarks he made when the late former Prime Minister was inaugurated as Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson position.
The former Deputy President insisted that his praise for Raila and Ida was genuine, saying he had no regrets about publicly recognising their contributions.
“Those words about Raila and Mama Ida came from my heart and I meant each and every word that I said on the day,” Gachagua said.
He added that political leaders should not wait until someone dies before recognising their achievements.
“I am a firm believer in giving a man his flowers when he is alive and hearing,” he stated.
Gachagua then questioned the sincerity of politicians who have recently praised Raila, accusing some of having previously used derogatory descriptions against the former Prime Minister.
“I abhor pretenders and those who shed crocodile tears in the greatest pretexts of political conmanships,” he said.
The DCP leader cited several labels he said had previously been used against Raila, including “mchawi,” “mganga,” “mtu ya kung'oa reli” and “the lord of poverty.”
“I have seen those who called him mchawi, mganga, mtu ya Kung'oa reli, the lord of poverty and other demeaning adjectives singing all manner of fake praises to the late Raila Odinga,” Gachagua stated.
His remarks placed the focus on the political rivalries that shaped Raila’s career and the debate over how leaders should honour his legacy following his death.
Gachagua says ODM has become a ‘pale shadow’ of its former self
Gachagua also turned his attention to ODM, arguing that Raila’s ability to build a strong political party was among his greatest political achievements.
He praised the late opposition leader for encouraging his supporters to elect capable representatives.
“As I have said repeatedly, I admire Baba’s legacy in building a strong political party and urging his followers to elect quality legislators,” he said.
Gachagua said he was seeking to apply similar principles as he builds DCP into a formidable political movement.
“I am doing my very best in following his footsteps in building DCP Party into a formidable political movement that will be in the centre of every political conversation in Kenya for many years to come,” he stated.
He also appealed to party members and Kenyans to elect quality legislators, urging voters to reject what he described as “tugeges.”
However, the former Deputy President expressed disappointment with the current state of ODM, claiming that some of the leaders now celebrating Raila had contributed to weakening the party.
“I am saddened that the very people now singing praises to Baba have, in one way or another, destroyed his greatest legacy, the political machine previously known as ODM,” Gachagua said.
He further argued that the party had lost much of its former political standing barely a year after Raila’s death.
“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,” he stated.
Gachagua also criticised those he accused of selling out ODM, claiming they lacked the courage to attend Raila’s anniversary after allegedly undermining his legacy.
His claims were part of his political assessment of the party and its leadership. The statement did not independently establish the allegations against the unnamed individuals.
Gachagua ends statement with tribute to Raila
Despite his criticism of politicians he believes have failed to protect Raila’s legacy, Gachagua concluded his statement by paying tribute to the late former Prime Minister.
“Rest Well Jakom!” he said.
Raila, who died on October 15, 2025, was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures and a central figure in the country’s multiparty struggle and democratic reforms.
His first death anniversary has renewed public debate over his political legacy, the future of ODM and the direction of the political movement he built over several decades.
Gachagua’s statement adds another voice to that debate, with the former Deputy President arguing that Raila should be remembered not only through public tributes but also through the preservation of the political institutions and principles he championed.
Do you want to be published? E-mail info@thedailywhistle.co.ke or WhatsApp 0721930260
Comments
No approved comments yet.