Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has attributed his absence from the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death to a pre-planned programme in the United States. He thanked Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, for inviting him to the memorial in Bondo, Siaya County. Gachagua said his remarks praising Raila and Ida during his inauguration as an African Union Commission chairperson candidate were sincere, adding that he admired Raila’s legacy in building a strong political party and promoting quality legislators.