Gachagua Breaks Silence on Relationship With the Late Raila Odinga in Candid Interview

 

By Collins Wasike 

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has shed new light on his relationship with the late opposition chief Raila Odinga, describing it as respectful but distant. Speaking during an interview aired on Inooro TV, Gachagua said that although the two leaders never shared political intimacy, they were also never adversaries.

“We didn’t share political strategies or personal moments, but I never considered him an enemy,” Gachagua said. “Our paths were different, but our goals for Kenya were not always opposed. I respected Raila as a statesman.”

His remarks come after intense criticism over his absence from Raila’s state funeral—an omission that sparked widespread debate among political leaders and the public. Gachagua reiterated that he skipped the ceremonies due to alleged threats to his life, insisting the decision was driven by security concerns rather than political animosity.

Despite the controversy, Gachagua praised Raila’s enduring political legacy, particularly his stewardship of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He described ODM as a model of strong organization and loyalty, qualities he hopes to emulate as he builds his Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP).

“I admired how he built ODM into a formidable party. That kind of organization and loyalty is rare,” he said.

United Opposition principal Kalonzo Musyoka confirmed that arrangements are underway for Gachagua to visit Raila’s family at Opoda Farm in Bondo to personally convey his condolences. Tensions, however, continue to simmer among ODM loyalists, some of whom remain skeptical of Gachagua’s intentions.

Gachagua dismissed the speculation, insisting that his planned visit is a genuine gesture of respect.

“I want to honor him properly,” he said. “We may not have been friends, but we shared a love for this country.”

In a political environment often marked by hostility, Gachagua’s reflections stood out as a rare moment of cross-partisan acknowledgment—an affirmation that, even amid rivalry, mutual respect can survive.