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Gaucho says if Raila had become president, he would still be alive
10th February, 2026 06:03 PM
Former president of the Bunge la Mwananchi, Calvince Okoth, alias Gaucho, has claimed that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga would still be alive today if he had become president, blaming years of political pressure for his death.
Gaucho says the stress Raila carried after failing to ascend to the presidency took a heavy toll on him.
“Raila angekua president leo hangekufa. Sidhani kama angekua ashakufa,” Gaucho said during an interview on Monday, February 9, 2026.
He argues that even fate would not have taken Raila at ‘this moment’ if he had led the country. Gaucho insists that the pressure Raila faced over the years was unnecessary.
“Hata kama mungu alikua amepanga, ange kula kula halafu akufe mbele,” he added, suggesting Raila deserved peace after decades of struggle.
Gaucho questions the source of Raila’s long-standing stress, linking it to political battles dating back many years.
“Hiyo stress ya 2002 nani alimpea hiyo stress?” he asked.
He says Raila lived with disappointment and pressure long after Kenyans believed his presidency was inevitable.
“Tulijua Raila Odinga anaenda kukua president,” Gaucho added.
Gaucho links Raïla’s death to political pressure
Gaucho further claims that Raila carried this burden even in death.
“Raila ako na stress kwa kaburi,” he says, repeating his belief that leadership would have eased Raila’s struggles.
His remarks reflect the emotions of supporters who see Raila’s political journey as unfinished.
Raila Amolo Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement party leader and former prime minister, died at the age of 80. His death marked the end of a defining chapter in Kenya’s democratic history, shaped by sacrifice and a long fight for justice and reform.
President William Ruto confirmed Raila’s death in a televised address from State House on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. He announced seven days of national mourning and said Raila would receive a state funeral in recognition of his contribution to the Republic.
“For decades, Raila dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equity, and freedom,” Ruto said.
The president said Raila’s influence went beyond party politics and spoke for the oppressed.
“Raila Amolo Odinga was truly a giant who towered for decades over our democratic landscape,” he said.
Across the country, Kenyans mourned as crowds gathered, waving ODM flags and singing liberation songs, reflecting the deep impact of Raila’s life and struggle.
