Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed his intention to seek advice from Raila Odinga on establishing a strong political party as he works on his own.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, February 24, 2025, Gachagua disclosed that he admires how Raila has maintained the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)’s influence over two decades, and the caliber of leaders it has produced is commendable.
Drawing inspiration from the longevity and success of the long-serving opposition party, Gachagua stated that he plans to consult Odinga to understand the strategies behind ODM’s enduring success.
“I have two years; I have time to craft a very serious political party, and by the way, I do admire Raila Odinga and ODM. He (Raila) crafted a very serious political machine that has been there for 20 years, and again, the quality of leaders that are elected at the ODM is admirable. In fact, I would be going to ODM for benchmarking. I must talk to Raila Odinga; I must ask him, ‘Mzee, how did you craft this machine? How have you kept it going for 20 years?’ ODM is admirable,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua on coalition
Reflecting on his political mistakes, Gachagua voiced regret over his previous alliance with President William Ruto, admitting to feeling deceived for trusting Ruto without formal agreements due to their shared Christian faith.
In addition, the second deputy president revealed that his past political experiences have taught him to approach future coalitions with caution, ensuring that any agreements are solid and protect the interests of both himself and his supporters.
“I will make sure that in whatever coalition we go with, whoever, our interests are well anchored through a watertight agreement so that again nobody ever deceives us.
“One of the burdens I carry that is very heavy and weighs me down sometimes is how foolish I feel that I was deceived by Ruto because he was a Christian he came with a Bible, and I believed him, I never asked even we sign anything,I was so naive and trusting,” he added.
He went on to say that he is currently taking advice from professionals, adding that sometimes he feels ashamed of how he was deceived, despite being a student of political science.
“Sometimes it weighs me down. I cry at night about how foolish I could have been and am a student of political science, but we say once bitten, twice shy. This time I will be careful; I have very serious elders and civil servants who advise me, I have professionals, and I take advice because I made wrong decisions and sunk my people into shame and desperation,” he added.
Political party
Speaking on Sunday, February 9, 2025, during a joint media interview, Gachagua declared that he would unveil the name of his newly formed political party, which is fully established and only awaiting its grand launch in May 2025.
“Our party is ready. It is in the showroom, the engine is brand new, the tyres are Michelin, and the driver is Gachagua—he won’t steer it off course. People are eager to know the name. The fifth month is when we will make the big reveal. We will begin opening branches, transitioning people from UDA, and firmly rooting them in our new home.
“We want all other communities to join us. We are offering them seats at the table. We have already allocated positions to some, and for those yet to be accommodated, this is their chance to come on board,” he said.
