Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his amazement with the late Raila Odinga’s political journey and is using it as motivation to fortify his party and create a force that will rise up against President William Ruto’s administration.
Speaking on Saturday, November 1, Gachagua described the former Prime Minister as a political master who always managed to stay relevant and influential even in defeat.
He stated that he hopes to emulate Raila’s resilience and his ability to unite people into a strong political movement.
“I admire two things about that old man: he built a strong political party, ODM, that has remained powerful for decades. Though he was never elected President, he was always part of government; that’s something to learn from,” Gachagua said.
The DCP leader said he is currently reorganizing his party with the aim of creating a structure as firm as Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement.
He disclosed that he will recruit at least 100 legislators to have a solid team around him similar to a loyal network that for years supported Raila.
“Your leader has no foot soldiers. I need strong people beside me. I am looking for about 140 legislators who can protect me and the DCP the way Raila’s team stood by him,” he said.
Gachagua hailed Raila’s inner circle, singling out leaders like James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, Otieno Kajwang’, and Peter Kaluma, whom he described as brilliant minds that shielded Raila and his party for decades.
He said that their loyalty and commitment to the cause of Raila were unmatched, and reflected the kind of unity and discipline he hopes to build within his movement.
Tribute to Raila
Rigathi further eulogized Raila as a selfless and brave leader who had dedicated his life to the improvement of democracy and social justice in Kenya.
“You gave your life to serve humanity-as a political activist, a civil servant, a university lecturer, an MP, a party leader, a Cabinet Minister, and a Prime Minister. In all these roles, your impact will never be forgotten”, said Gachagua.
The former Kenyan prime minister, Raila Odinga, died on October 15 in India due to cardiac arrest during his morning walk while undergoing treatment.
He added that despite their political rivalry, the absence of Raila has left a void in the Kenyan political scene that might be hard to fill.
“Raila Odinga built a party that survived four elections and kept the spirit of democracy alive. He has left behind big shoes, which none of us can easily fill,” he added.
