Gachagua Says ODM Has Become a Shadow of Its Former Self

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has questioned the sincerity of politicians praising the late Raila Odinga after years of criticising him. He argues that genuine respect for the former Prime Minister should extend beyond anniversary speeches and public tributes.

In a statement released on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Gachagua addressed the first anniversary of Raila’s death. The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader accused some politicians of abandoning their previous positions to celebrate the veteran opposition leader.

Gachagua cited past insults directed at Raila, including descriptions that portrayed him as a witch doctor and an agent of poverty. He described the latest tributes from some political leaders as insincere, questioning whether their actions matched their public statements.

“I am a firm believer in giving a man his flowers when he is alive and hearing,” Gachagua said. He maintained that politicians should demonstrate genuine appreciation for leaders during their lifetimes rather than after their deaths.

Gachagua Criticises ODM’s Position After Raila’s Death

Gachagua also questioned the state of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which Raila led for more than two decades. He argued that the party had weakened significantly within a year of losing its founding leader.

“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 said.

Raila died on October 15, 2025, leaving questions about ODM’s future leadership and political direction. His death also renewed debate about preserving his political influence and the institutions he built throughout his career.

ODM leaders and Raila’s family marked the anniversary through commemorative activities, including a major gathering in Bondo, Siaya County. The occasion brought renewed attention to Raila’s political legacy and the party’s future.

Gachagua further accused some politicians of contributing to ODM’s decline by surrendering its interests to individuals he considers disloyal to Raila. However, his remarks represented his assessment of the party’s position rather than an independently established conclusion.

DCP Leader Says Raila’s Political Strategy Offers Lessons

Despite his criticism, Gachagua acknowledged Raila’s achievements in building a strong political movement. He particularly praised the former Prime Minister’s efforts to establish ODM and encourage voters to elect capable legislators.

Gachagua said he hoped to apply similar lessons while developing DCP into a formidable political force. He wants the party to influence national debates and establish a lasting presence in Kenya’s political landscape.

The former deputy president also urged Kenyans to choose leaders with integrity and independent judgment. He criticised politicians he described as “tugeges,” a derogatory term for leaders perceived as lacking substance or independence.

His remarks place Raila’s legacy within the broader political debate ahead of the 2027 General Election. Leaders across different political camps continue to invoke Raila’s record when discussing leadership, party organisation and political credibility.

Gachagua Explains Absence From Raila’s Anniversary

Gachagua thanked Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, for inviting him to the anniversary commemorations in Bondo. He explained that a previously scheduled programme in the United States prevented him from attending the event.

The DCP leader also recalled his earlier remarks during Raila’s inauguration as a candidate for African Union Commission chairperson. He insisted that his praise for Raila and Ida reflected his genuine feelings rather than political convenience.

“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.

His statement combined praise for Raila’s political organising skills with criticism of politicians now celebrating his legacy. It also highlighted Gachagua’s argument that political leaders should judge Raila’s legacy through the strength and continued influence of the institutions he established.