Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his intention to emulate the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by building a strong political movement capable of mobilising Kenyans and shaping the country’s political future.
Gachagua said Raila’s ability to establish and sustain a formidable political movement was an example he hoped to follow as he seeks to strengthen his own political influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader has been positioning himself as a key figure in the opposition, with efforts to consolidate support across different regions and bring together like-minded political leaders.
His remarks signal an ambition to build a political outfit with a national outlook, drawing lessons from Raila’s decades-long political career, grassroots mobilisation and ability to maintain a loyal political following.
Raila, who died in October 2025, was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, having built the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into a major political force over several election cycles.
Gachagua’s remarks come amid growing political realignments and manoeuvres as leaders position themselves for the 2027 presidential contest.
