Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained that a pre-planned programme in the United States prevented him from attending the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement shared on X, Gachagua said Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, had invited him to the commemorative event held in Bondo, Siaya County.
He thanked Ida for the invitation, saying he was unable to attend because he was outside the country for a programme arranged earlier.
“I was not able to attend since I am away in the United States of America on a programme that was pre-planned,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua also recalled remarks he made about Raila during his inauguration as a candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson, saying his words about the former Prime Minister and Ida had been sincere.
“Those words about Raila and Mama Ida came from my heart and I meant every word that I said on the day,” he said.
He said he admired Raila’s legacy, particularly his role in building a strong political party and encouraging the election of quality legislators.
Gachagua said he was seeking to follow that example as he worked to build the Democracy for the Citizens Party into a formidable political movement.
Thousands of Kenyans gathered at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday, October 15, to mark one year since Raila’s death.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India. His death prompted nationwide mourning before he was buried at his family home in Bondo.
The anniversary brought together members of the Odinga family, political leaders, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporters and other mourners to remember his life and political legacy.
Attendees arrived from early morning, with police officers deployed to guide crowds and maintain order. Music, dance and cultural performances formed part of the commemorations.
The main event was held at Migwena, a cultural ground with longstanding links to the Odinga family and the local community.
Organisers had prepared the venue to accommodate thousands of people, with tents, a main stage and other facilities set up ahead of the gathering.
Ida had called on political leaders to set aside their differences and allow the occasion to focus on remembering her husband. The family had also urged attendees to avoid turning the anniversary into a platform for political rivalry.
The commemoration was part of a wider programme organised by the family and ODM, including activities in the days leading up to the anniversary.
These included an intergenerational dialogue in Kisumu and candle-lighting events to honour Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s political history.
