Rigathi Gachagua Praises Raila Odinga’s Political Legacy and ODM’s Strong Foundation

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has praised the late Raila Odinga’s lasting influence on Kenyan politics and the strong foundation of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), describing the opposition leader’s legacy as one worth emulating.

Speaking at the Ngemi ya Watho festival in Thika, a gathering of legal professionals from the GEMA region, Gachagua offered rare cross-party recognition for Odinga’s political career. He noted that despite never becoming president, Odinga remained a central figure in successive governments, a feat he credited to ODM’s organisational strength and the competence of its leadership.

“Though he was never elected president, he always found a way to be part of government,” Gachagua said, acknowledging the contribution of ODM’s prominent lawyers-among them James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna, Peter Kaluma, and the late Otieno Kajwang-in advancing Odinga’s political vision and protecting his interests over the years.

Gachagua’s remarks followed Odinga’s death on 15 October in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment. He described the late statesman as a selfless leader whose role in shaping Kenya’s democratic journey remains enduring. According to Gachagua, Odinga’s passing leaves a significant gap in the nation’s political landscape.

Reflecting on his own political experience, Gachagua said he faces challenges in finding equally skilled and strategic allies within his Mt Kenya base. “Your leader is in trouble-he has no foot soldiers,” he told the audience, contrasting ODM’s network of legal and intellectual supporters with what he views as a shortage of comparable talent in his camp.

He announced plans to strengthen his political base through the newly formed Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). The party aims to recruit 140 legislators, including at least 40 lawyers, to establish a strong parliamentary bloc. Gachagua said the strategy was inspired by Odinga’s example of surrounding himself with capable and principled advisers.

Gachagua also urged Kenya’s professional community, lawyers, academics, and other experts, to take an active role in public life. He argued that political engagement by educated citizens is essential for promoting accountability and good governance. 

“If the educated stay away, the country remains in the hands of poor leadership,” he warned.

He said the continued reluctance of professionals to join politics has weakened policymaking and leadership in the country.