Mama Ida Invited Me to attend Raila's 1st Anniversary – Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed he was invited by Mama Ida Odinga to attend the late Raila Odinga’s first anniversary. 

In a statement on Friday, October 16, Gachagua thanked Mama Ida for inviting him to the commemoration, describing the late opposition leader as the father of democracy and a defender of Kenyans’ rights.

The DCP leader explained he was not able to attend the memorial as he was away in the United States on a programme that had been scheduled earlier.

“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. 

“I was not able to attend since I am away in the United States of America on a programme that was pre-planned,” said Gachagua. 

The former DP added that he celebrates the former Prime Minister the same way he did at his inauguration as Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission chairmanship. 

Gachagua emphasized that his praise for the late Raila and Mama Ida was genuine.

“Those words about Raila and Mama Ida came from my heart, and I meant each and every word that I said on the day. I am a firm believer in giving a man his flowers when he is alive and hearing,” he stated. 

Further, Gachagua said he admires the former premier’s legacy in building a strong political party and urging his followers to elect quality legislators.

The former DP said he is emulating Raila’s political organization by building DCP into a strong political movement. 

“I am doing my very best in following in his footsteps by building DCP into a formidable political movement that will be at the center of every political conversation in Kenya for many years to come,” added Gachagua. 

The late Raila’s first anniversary celebrations were held on Thursday at Migwena cultural ground in Bondo, Siaya County. 

The event brought together leaders from across the country, cutting across the political divide.

Notable leaders at the event included Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga, PLP leader Martha Karua, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, and Kisii Governor Simba Arati were also present.