Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused some Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders of betraying the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and weakening the political party he built over decades.
Gachagua, who said he was unable to attend the first anniversary of Raila’s death because he was in the United States on a pre-planned programme, criticised leaders he accused of praising the former Prime Minister after previously ridiculing him.
In a statement acknowledging an invitation from Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, Gachagua said he remained committed to celebrating the former Prime Minister’s contribution to Kenya’s democracy and the struggle for citizens’ rights.
He recalled his remarks during Raila’s inauguration as Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson position, saying his praise for Raila and Ida had been sincere.
“I am a firm believer in giving a man his flowers when he is alive and hearing,” Gachagua said, accusing some politicians of engaging in what he described as political pretence and hypocrisy.
He cited derogatory descriptions previously directed at Raila, including allegations that he was a witchdoctor and a threat to the railway, saying some of those who had used such labels were now offering what he termed insincere tributes.
Gachagua said he admired Raila’s ability to build a strong political party and his insistence that voters elect quality legislators.
He added that he was seeking to emulate the former Prime Minister’s political organising skills by building DCP into a formidable political movement capable of shaping Kenya’s political discourse for years.
The former Deputy President also urged DCP members and Kenyans to elect competent legislators, dismissing what he described as low-quality political leadership.
However, Gachagua expressed disappointment over the state of ODM, arguing that the party had lost much of its former strength barely a year after Raila’s death.
He accused unnamed individuals of undermining Raila’s political legacy and alleged that those responsible for what he described as the party’s decline had failed to attend the anniversary commemorations.
Gachagua concluded his tribute by honouring the late opposition leader, popularly known as Baba and Jakom, whose decades-long political career shaped Kenya’s multiparty democracy and national political debates.
“Rest Well Jakom!” he said.
Most ODM leaders did not attend the commemoration in Siaya.
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