Gachagua Mourns Raila: “You Have Not Gone, You Have Just Faded Away”
Rigathi Gachagua with Raila Odinga. Their spouses in the background.
By MKT Reporter
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua paid a heartfelt tribute to the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, describing him as a towering statesman, fearless reformist, and “the indefatigable lion of Africa.”
In his condolence message, Mr. Gachagua extended sympathies to Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family, saying Kenyans had lost a father figure and a true hero of democracy.
“Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
Gachagua hailed Mr. Odinga’s unwavering fight for democracy and justice, recalling his decades of political struggle, detentions, and sacrifices in the face of authoritarian regimes.
“You stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge, and quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted, and detained severally for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers,” he said.
The former Deputy President said Odinga’s service to the nation; as a civil servant, university lecturer, MP, Cabinet Minister, Party Leader, and Prime Minister, left an indelible mark on Kenya’s history.
He praised the late opposition chief for his role in Kenya’s democratic transformation, particularly his contribution to the multiparty movement and the 2010 Constitution. “Kenyans will remember your resilience, persistence, and democratic values, and your voice during difficult moments,” Gachagua said.
Despite being on opposing political sides for years, Gachagua acknowledged Odinga’s unmatched ability to build and sustain a strong political movement.
“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. I remain amazed by his choice of quality legislators to fly the party flag and eloquently articulate party policies and the people they represented,” he added.
Mr. Gachagua concluded his message with a poignant farewell:
“You are a hero celebrated home and away; you have not gone, Raila Odinga; you have just faded away. Rest in peace Baba, and may perpetual light shine upon you forever.”
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