In a statement marking the first anniversary of Raila's death, Gachagua also explained why he was unable to attend the commemorative event organised in honour of the former prime minister.

Gachagua thanked Raila's widow, Ida Odinga, for inviting him to the anniversary but said he could not attend because he was in the United States on a programme that had been planned earlier.

He paid tribute to Raila, describing him as a defender of democracy and the rights of Kenyans. He also recalled the remarks he made during Raila's inauguration as Kenya's candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson position, insisting that his praise for the former prime minister and Ida had been sincere.

"I am a firm believer in giving a man his flowers when he is alive and hearing," Gachagua said.

The former deputy president criticised politicians whom he accused of previously using derogatory language against Raila but now praising him following his death.

"I have seen those who called him mchawi, mganga, mtu ya Kung'oa reli, the lord of poverty and other demeaning adjectives singing all manner of fake praises to the late Raila Odinga," he stated.

Gachagua also praised Raila's political legacy, particularly his role in building a strong political party and encouraging his supporters to elect capable legislators.

He said he was seeking to follow Raila's example as he builds DCP into a formidable political movement that would remain influential in Kenya's political affairs for years to come. He further urged party members and Kenyans to elect quality legislators rather than leaders he referred to as "tugeges."

However, Gachagua expressed disappointment over what he described as the decline of ODM, arguing that the party had lost much of its former strength since Raila's death.

"I am saddened that the very people now singing praises to Baba have, in one way or another destroyed his greatest legacy, the political machine previously known as ODM," he said.

He further claimed that ODM had become a shadow of its former self, blaming individuals he accused of betraying the party's interests.

Gachagua also questioned the absence of some individuals he criticised from the anniversary commemoration, linking their absence to what he described as the destruction of Raila's political legacy.

He concluded his statement by paying tribute to the late former prime minister, whom he referred to as Jakom.

"Rest Well Jakom!" Gachagua stated.