Gachagua no-show as opposition leaders join Kenyans at Raila’s state funeral

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua was conspicuously absent during the state funeral service of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga on Friday.

The event, which drew thousands of mourners including heads of state and government representatives, was staged at Nyayo Stadium.

The solemn ceremony brought together leaders from across the political divide, marking a rare moment of unity in mourning one of Kenya’s most consequential statesmen.

Among the opposition bigwigs who joined in giving Raila the last respect on Friday included former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP’s Martha Karua, DAP-K Party boss Eugine Wamalwa and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.

Kalonzo, who was twice a running mate to the ODM boss, cut short his UK tour to join in mourning his former coalition leader.

“In his honour, I am rearranging my schedule of engagements in the United Kingdom,” Kalonzo, who was in UK for a ten-day visit, posted.

He was present at Nyayo Stadium, even though he was not allowed to address the mourners.

“I wish they would have put aside political differences and given Kalonzo Musyoka an opportunity to speak,” Kitutu Chache South MP Antoney Kibagendi said.

Karua, apart from being physically present at both Parliament and Nyayo, visited the family at their Karen home where he condoled with Ida Odinga.

The former Deputy President's absence did not go unnoticed at Parliament on Friday morning where President Uhuru Kenyatta led other dignitaries in giving the veteran politician their last respect.

From Parliament, the body aboard a military gun-carriage made a procession to Nyayo Stadium for a state service and later public viewing.

The state funeral marks the culmination of three-day national mourning, with the absence of one of the country’s top opposition leader, Gachagua, adding a political subplot to what was otherwise a unifying national farewell

However, after the learned of Raila’s death, Gachagua sent out a condolence message, crediting Raila for his service to humanity, and being at the forefront of the fight for Kenya’s democracy.

“The enigma Baba, you stood tall and strong intellect, knowledge and quest for democracy. You were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained. When history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter will attract many readers,” Gachagua posted on his social media accounts.

The state funeral service fell on the first anniversary since Gachagua's impeachment, October 17, 2024. 

President Ruto declared seven days of national mourning following the death of the former Prime Minister.

During the mourning period, the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and at all Kenyan missions abroad in honour of the ODM leader, who passed away in India on Wednesday.

“As a mark of respect, I have postponed all my public engagements for the coming days to join the nation in this period of mourning and deep reflection,” Ruto said.

The President also announced that Raila will be accorded a state funeral, complete with full honours, in recognition of his immense contribution to Kenya’s democracy.

A state funeral is a public ceremony held to honour individuals of national significance—such as heads of state or other prominent leaders—and often includes military honours and opportunities for the public to pay their respects.