- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says a previously scheduled programme in the United States prevented him from attending Raila Odinga’s first death anniversary memorial.
- Gachagua said Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, had personally invited him to the event in Bondo.
- He reaffirmed his respect for Raila’s political legacy, particularly his ability to build political parties and develop legislative leaders.
- Gachagua said he hopes to apply similar lessons as he builds the Democracy for the Citizens Party.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained why he missed the memorial marking one year since the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying an earlier commitment in the United States prevented him from travelling to Bondo.
In a statement posted on X, Gachagua revealed that Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, had personally invited him to the commemoration in Siaya County. He thanked her for the invitation and said his absence was due to the overseas programme having been arranged in advance.
“I was not able to attend since I am away in the United States of America on a programme that was pre-planned,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua also revisited his earlier remarks about Raila, recalling his comments during the former Prime Minister’s inauguration as a candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson position. He maintained that his praise for Raila and Ida was sincere.
“Those words about Raila and Mama Ida came from my heart and I meant every word that I said on the day,” he said.
He highlighted Raila’s record in building political parties and nurturing leaders who went on to serve in Parliament. Gachagua described these achievements as part of the political legacy he admires and hopes to learn from.
The former Deputy President linked those lessons to his efforts to establish the Democracy for the Citizens Party as a national political outfit. His remarks placed emphasis on party-building and developing leaders capable of serving in elected positions.
Thousands of people gathered at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to honour Raila on the first anniversary of his death. The event brought together members of the Odinga family, political leaders, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) figures and members of the public.
The gathering provided an opportunity for supporters and political allies to remember Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s political development. He remained a major figure in the country’s public life for decades.
Raila died aged 80 on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India. His death prompted nationwide mourning before he was laid to rest at his family home in Bondo.
Raila’s Political Legacy Remains in Focus
The anniversary came as political leaders and supporters reflected on Raila’s influence on Kenya’s multiparty politics and public institutions. His political career spanned several decades and included repeated presidential bids, opposition leadership and service as Prime Minister in the coalition government formed after the 2007 election.
Gachagua’s comments focused particularly on Raila’s ability to build political organisations and cultivate leaders. He said those aspects of Raila’s career offered lessons for his own party-building efforts, even as he was unable to attend the Bondo commemoration.
