Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained why he did not attend the first anniversary commemorations of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, despite receiving an invitation from Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga. Gachagua said he was in the United States for a previously scheduled programme, while reaffirming his admiration for Raila’s political legacy and his approach to building a strong political movement.
Highlights
- Gachagua said a pre-arranged programme in the United States prevented him from attending Raila’s memorial.
- He confirmed that Ida Odinga had invited him to the event in Bondo.
- The former deputy president said his past remarks about Raila and Ida were genuine.
- He praised Raila’s political organising skills and his efforts to build a strong party.
- Thousands of mourners gathered in Siaya County on October 15 to mark one year since Raila’s death.
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Gachagua Says US Engagement Kept Him Away From Raila’s Memorial
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has clarified why he missed the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death, revealing that an earlier commitment in the United States prevented him from travelling to Bondo for the commemorative gathering.
In a statement posted on X, Gachagua disclosed that he had received an invitation from Ida Odinga, Raila’s widow, to attend the event held at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Siaya County on Thursday, October 15.
He expressed appreciation to Ida for considering him for the occasion, explaining that he was already outside Kenya for a programme arranged before the memorial.
The former deputy president’s statement addressed his absence from an event that attracted thousands of Kenyans, including members of the Odinga family, political leaders, ODM supporters and other mourners who gathered to celebrate the life of the late opposition leader.
Gachagua Reaffirms His Respect for Raila and Ida
Beyond explaining his absence, Gachagua reflected on the relationship between his public remarks about Raila and his appreciation of the former prime minister’s political journey.
He recalled statements he had made during his inauguration as a candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson, insisting that his tribute to Raila and Ida had been genuine.
Gachagua said he had meant what he expressed about the couple, maintaining that his words reflected his personal sentiments rather than being merely ceremonial remarks.
His comments come as political leaders continue to reflect on Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic development and the influence he maintained across different generations of politicians.
Why Raila’s Political Legacy Matters to Gachagua
Gachagua also highlighted Raila’s ability to establish and sustain a strong political party, alongside his emphasis on supporting capable legislators.
According to the former deputy president, these were among the lessons he hoped to draw from Raila’s political experience as he continued building the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
He expressed an ambition to develop DCP into a formidable political movement, suggesting that Raila’s experience offered a useful example of how a party could establish a strong national presence.
The remarks also place Raila’s legacy within the wider conversation about Kenya’s political landscape, as parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Thousands Gather in Bondo to Remember Raila
While Gachagua remained in the United States, thousands of Kenyans assembled at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground to mark one year since Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India.
The gathering brought together members of the Odinga family, political leaders, ODM supporters and members of the public who came to honour his decades-long involvement in Kenyan politics.
Mourners arrived from the early hours of Thursday, with security officers deployed to manage the crowds. Music, traditional dances and cultural performances formed part of the programme, reflecting Raila’s enduring connection with his supporters and the local community.
The venue, which has longstanding ties to the Odinga family, was prepared to accommodate the large turnout, with tents, a main stage and other facilities arranged ahead of the event.
Before the anniversary, Ida appealed to political leaders and supporters to put aside their differences and allow the occasion to focus on remembering her late husband. The family also urged attendees to avoid turning the gathering into a platform for political competition.
The anniversary formed part of a broader programme organised by the family and ODM, including an intergenerational dialogue in Kisumu and candle-lighting ceremonies held in Raila’s honour.
One year after his passing, the commemorations have once again highlighted the political influence he wielded and the challenge of preserving his legacy beyond the tributes.
Raila Odinga’s political journey may have ended, but his influence continues to shape Kenya’s political conversations. The question now is how the leaders who admired him will carry forward the lessons of his legacy.
