Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Mourns Raila Odinga in Heartfelt Tribute

 

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has joined the nation in mourning the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, delivering a moving tribute that acknowledged the late statesman’s lifelong contribution to Kenya’s democracy, governance, and political resilience.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Gachagua extended his condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, and the people of Kenya, describing Raila as “the father of our democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s Second Liberation.”

“My family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment,” Gachagua said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya.”

The former Deputy President, who has often been on the opposite side of Kenya’s political divide from Odinga, expressed admiration for Raila’s leadership, resilience, and unmatched ability to build and sustain a powerful political movement over decades.

“Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had a strong admiration of Raila Odinga's art of forming and sustaining a strong political party that survived four general elections,” Gachagua noted.

He praised Odinga’s pivotal role in the country’s democratic reforms, including the push for multiparty democracy in the 1990s and the landmark Constitution of Kenya 2010, which he described as “a race you strongly stood in for, and we the people of Kenya shall never forget.”

Gachagua also highlighted the personal sacrifices Odinga made in the struggle for democracy—recounting his years of detention, torture, and persecution under authoritarian regimes.

“You faced brutal regimes’ brutality; you were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained severally for Kenya,” Gachagua said. “When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers.”

Describing Raila as a hero celebrated “home and away,” Gachagua closed his tribute by reflecting on Odinga’s enduring legacy.

“You have not gone, Raila Odinga—you have just faded away. Rest in peace, Baba, and may perpetual light shine upon you forever.”

Raila Odinga, one of Kenya’s most iconic political figures, passed away on [Insert Date of Death] at the age of [Insert Age]. He is remembered for his lifelong fight for democracy, his role as a unifying figure, and his service in various leadership roles, including Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister, MP, and party leader.