Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that he admires two things from the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Saturday, November 1, during the Ngemi ya Watho Festival in Murang’a County, Gachagua said he admires the former prime minister for building a strong party.
The DCP leader noted that Raila has been able to negotiate with every government because the ODM Party is strong.
“As we mourn Raila Odinga, I must admit I admire two things about that old man, and I am really touched by his leadership.
“Look at the political party that he built called ODM, a strong political party that, though he has never been elected president, he was able to get into every government and get what he wants because he has a strong political party,” Gachagua stated.
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The former Deputy President also said he admires Raila for ensuring that most lawmakers in the ODM party are lawyers.
According to Gachagua, the ODM legislators have protected the late Raila in his political journey.
“Most importantly, in his political party, all legislators are top-notch lawyers; these are the people who have protected Raila Odinga for thirty years. Look at Raila’s team; there is James Orengo, Otieno Kajwang, Otiende Amolo, Peter Kaluma, Edwin Sifuna, Stewart Madzayo, Millie Odhiambo, Beatrice Oyomo, Tom Ojienda, Okongo Omogeni, and Babu Owino, great minds, then you are giving me the likes of Kawanjiko and Wamatinga,” Gachagua added.
The DCP party leader’s remarks come weeks after Raila passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in Kochi, India.
Gachagua, in a condolence message, mourned the late ODM leader as a towering figure in Kenya’s political and democratic journey.
He hailed Raila as a giant of democracy and a hero whose legacy will remain etched in Africa’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 democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s 2nd liberation, you stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge, and quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted, and detained severally for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers," said Gachagua.
Raila was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.
He was buried with his trademark hat and fly whisk, iconic items that defined his image throughout his political journey.
The private burial ceremony was attended by Raila’s immediate family, including his wife, Mama Ida Odinga, and children Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Jr., and Winnie Odinga.
His siblings, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, and Wenwa Akinyi Odinga, were also present.
