Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed two key qualities he deeply admired about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing the opposition leader as one of the most strategic and resilient figures in Kenya’s political history.
Speaking on Saturday night, November 1, 2025, during the Ngemi Cia Watho Association Festival in Gatanga Constituency, Murang’a County, Gachagua — who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) — reflected on Raila’s legacy, praising his leadership and organizational strength.
Gachagua said that one of the things that stood out to him about Raila was his ability to build and sustain a formidable political party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which he described as one of the strongest political organizations in Kenya’s history.
“As we mourn Raila Odinga, I must say two things about that old man that truly touched me,” Gachagua stated. “Look at the political party he built — ODM, a strong political party. Though he was never elected president, he managed to get into every government and achieve what he wanted because he had a strong political party.”
According to Gachagua, Raila’s steadfast commitment to institution-building set him apart from many other political figures. He credited the former prime minister’s organizational discipline and long-term vision for ensuring ODM’s influence across successive administrations.
The DCP leader noted that Raila’s political strategy made him a key negotiator in Kenya’s shifting coalitions, often shaping the direction of national politics even without holding the presidency. Gachagua pointed out that this strength came from Raila’s ability to maintain control of a cohesive and loyal political movement.
The former deputy president went on to highlight a second quality he admired about Raila — his ability to surround himself with intelligent and highly skilled individuals, particularly lawyers, within his party. Gachagua said that ODM’s legal-minded membership not only strengthened the party’s institutional capacity but also shielded Raila from political threats and challenges over the years.
“Most importantly, all his political party, all the legislators are top-notch lawyers. These are the people who have protected Raila for 30 years,” he explained.
Gachagua mentioned several ODM figures who, in his view, exemplified the intellectual depth and strategic strength within Raila’s political circle. “If you look at Raila’s team — James Orengo, Otieno Kajwang, Caroli Omondi, Peter Kaluma, Edwin Sifuna, Steward Madzayo, Millie Odhiambo, Tom Ojienda, Mohammed Faki, Babu Owino — these are great minds,” he said.
He humorously contrasted Raila’s team with his own supporters from the Mt Kenya region, suggesting that his political base lacked a similar concentration of legal expertise. “Then you look at my side — Wamatinga, Wamakeki. My people, your leader is in trouble; he has no foot soldiers,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
Gachagua then urged professionals and intellectuals from Mt Kenya to emulate Raila’s approach by actively participating in politics rather than remaining passive voters. He challenged the region’s educated elite to step forward and take up leadership roles in order to strengthen representation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I am requesting you to give me 40 lawyers,” Gachagua said. “Our problem is that the learned people in Mt Kenya only vote and then go home. You cannot leave leadership to chance. We need strong people in Parliament who can argue, legislate, and defend our interests.”
His remarks came amid a broader conversation about the future of political organization in Kenya, as parties prepare for upcoming electoral realignments. Political analysts have noted that Gachagua’s comments reflect both admiration and introspection, as he seeks to build a new political force modeled on institutional discipline and strategic depth.
Raila Odinga, who passed away earlier this year, served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and was widely regarded as one of the most influential opposition leaders in the country’s history. His party, ODM, has produced numerous political heavyweights who continue to shape national discourse.
As tributes continue to pour in following Raila’s passing, Gachagua’s reflections highlight the deep respect that even political rivals held for him — acknowledging his role in redefining Kenya’s multi-party democracy and nurturing a generation of politically astute leaders.