Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has lauded the late Raila Odinga’s political acumen and the enduring strength of the Orange Democratic Movement, describing the veteran politician as a model of resilience and strategy.
Speaking at the Ngemi ya Watho festival in Thika, hosted by the legal fraternity from the GEMA region, Gachagua praised Odinga’s ability to remain politically relevant despite never occupying the presidency. He said Odinga’s influence stemmed from his commitment to building a strong party anchored on capable and loyal leadership.
“Look at the political party he built called ODM,” Gachagua said. “Though he was never elected president, he managed to enter every government and achieve his goals because he had a strong political party.”
He went on to commend the quality of leaders surrounding Odinga, noting that many were seasoned legal minds who had defended and supported him throughout his career. Gachagua cited figures such as James Orengo, Otiende Amollo, Millie Odhiambo, and Edwin Sifuna as examples of professionals who embodied political loyalty and competence.
Drawing a sharp contrast with Mount Kenya politics, Gachagua lamented what he called a lack of equally skilled political allies in his own region. “My people, your leader is in trouble. You have given him tugeges, while Raila had lawyers who stood with him for 30 years,” he said.
He urged professionals to stop dismissing politics as dirty and instead join efforts to reform governance. Gachagua said his newly launched Democracy for the Citizens Party would recruit professionals, including at least 40 lawyers, to strengthen its leadership base.
“If the educated stay away, the country remains dirty,” he warned. “We must take responsibility for cleaning it.”
