Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused some Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders of undermining the political legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, claiming the party has weakened barely a year after his death.

Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), said ODM had become a shadow of its former self, blaming unnamed individuals for what he described as the betrayal of Raila’s political movement.

“It is a pity, just one year after his death, that his greatest legacy the ODM party is a now a pale shadow of it’s former self,” Gachagua said in a statement marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death.

Gachagua Questions Politicians Praising Raila After His Death

The DCP leader also questioned the sincerity of politicians who have recently praised Raila, claiming some had previously used derogatory remarks against the former Prime Minister.

He cited past descriptions of Raila as “mchawi”, “mganga” and “mtu ya kung’oa reli”, arguing that some of those now celebrating his legacy had previously demeaned him.

Gachagua said political leaders should appreciate and recognise one another while they are still alive rather than wait until after their deaths to offer tributes.

“I am a firm believer in giving a man his flowers when he is alive and hearing,” he said, adding that he abhorred what he described as political pretence and insincere tributes.

He accused unnamed politicians of having sold out ODM and contributing to the party’s alleged decline but did not identify the individuals he was referring to.

Gachagua Says Raila’s Political Strategy Offers Lessons for DCP

Despite his criticism of ODM’s current state, Gachagua praised Raila’s ability to build a strong political party and encourage voters to elect quality legislators.

He said he was seeking to apply those lessons as he develops DCP into a formidable political movement capable of remaining influential in Kenya’s political landscape.

“I am doing my very best in following his footsteps is building DCP into a formidable political movement that will be at the centre of every political conversation in Kenya for many years to come,” Gachagua said.

He also urged DCP members and Kenyans to elect quality legislators, arguing that the country needed representatives capable of advancing the interests of their constituents.

Gachagua Explains Absence From Raila’s Anniversary Event

Gachagua’s remarks came as he explained why he did not attend the first-anniversary commemoration of Raila’s death, despite receiving an invitation from the former Prime Minister’s widow, Ida Odinga.

He said he was unable to attend because he was in the United States on a previously scheduled programme.

The statement placed Raila’s political legacy and the future of ODM at the centre of Gachagua’s message, with the former Deputy President using the occasion to criticise the party’s direction while highlighting what he described as lessons from Raila’s political career.

His accusations against unnamed ODM leaders remain his own claims, and he did not provide specific names in the statement.