Gachagua: Why I skipped Raila Odinga’s funeral and burial

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua /FILE

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained why he did not attend the State funeral service of Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium nor his burial in Bondo, saying security concerns informed his decision.

Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV on Wednesday evening, the Democracy for Citizens Party leader said intelligence reports allegedly indicated plans to attack him at both events.

Gachagua said he had initially planned to attend the funeral in Nairobi but opted out after receiving information about organised groups targeting him.

“I had planned to go to the Nyayo National Stadium, and I got information that some goons had been arranged to attack me so that it could create conflict between the Luo nation and the Kikuyu nation,” he claimed.

He said he reconsidered his attendance to avoid disrupting what he described as a solemn occasion.

“I applied my mind as a senior politician and as a strategist, and I realised that it was a very important occasion for Raila Odinga and his followers,” he said.

“It would have been imprudent of me to seem like I had brought chaos into a very solemn ceremony that was very important.”

The former DP said he also abandoned plans to travel to Bondo for the burial after receiving similar intelligence.

“I planned to go to Bondo. I also got information that in Bondo there were plans to attack me physically as a strategy to create a wedge between the Luo nation and the Kikuyu nation,” he claimed.

He added that such an incident could have escalated tensions between the two communities.

“What would have happened if I were attacked in Bondo, the Kikuyu nation would’ve felt very bad, and this would’ve created enmity with the Luo nation, who have nothing against me,” he said.

Gachagua further claimed that previous attacks against him had been orchestrated, saying some politician organised incidents in Kariobangi, Mwiki and near the airport.

He maintained that despite all that, he enjoys goodwill in the Nyanza region, noting that during a past visit with President William Ruto, he received a warm reception across Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisumu.

Gachagua added that he deliberately stayed away from both events to avoid any possibility of chaos during what he described as a significant moment for Odinga’s family and supporters.

On why he has not visited Odinga’s home in Bondo months after the burial, he said he had already reached out to Ida Odinga to convey his condolences and request a visit, but was advised to wait until the family is ready.

He said he is still waiting for communication on an appropriate time to visit, emphasising that he respects family traditions and would not go uninvited.