Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has explained why he skipped the first anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying he was uncomfortable sharing a platform with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks he associated with hatred and tribalism.
Junet also criticised retired President Uhuru Kenyatta over his absence from the October 15 ceremony at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, questioning his support for Raila during the 2022 General Election and his failure to attend the memorial.
Speaking in Eldoret town on Friday, where he accompanied President William Ruto, the National Assembly's minority leader said he reconsidered attending after seeing Gachagua’s name on the list of invited guests.
“Jana sisi kama watu wa ODM tuliomboleza Baba kwa mwaka mmoja tangu ametuwacha. Mimi mwenyewe sikuhudhuria kwa sababu vile niliona list ya watu wamealikwa nikaona mtu anaitwa Gachagua,” he said.
Junet claimed he did not think Raila would have been comfortable sharing a gathering with the Democracy for the Citizens Party leader.
“Nikasema mimi siwezi kaa na mtu kama huyo na hata Baba hawezi kubali kukaa hapo...,” he said.
Gachagua confirmed receiving an invitation from Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, but said he was unable to attend because he was in the United States on a previously scheduled programme.
He nevertheless paid tribute to Raila, describing him as a defender of democracy and the rights of Kenyans.
Junet then turned his attention to Uhuru, whom he referred to as the “sponsor”, questioning his commitment following his absence from the anniversary.
“But ile kitu ya ajabu sana ni wamealika watu mashuhuri, wamealika mpaka sponsor. Huyo sponsor amehepa sisi jana...,” he said.
He added that he had noticed a seat was reserved for the former President but that he did not attend.
“Huyo ni mtu wa kukata kona, huyo ni mtu wa kuaminika kweli?” Junet posed.
Uhuru and Raila formed a political partnership after their March 2018 handshake, with the former President later backing Raila’s unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid.
Their alliance marked a major shift after years of political rivalry.
President William Ruto also missed the memorial, as did Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who chairs ODM nationally.
Ruto had been on his North Rift development tour, while the absence of several senior leaders prompted questions about political divisions within ODM and the party’s future direction following Raila’s death.
The ceremony was attended by several leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and former presidential running mate Martha Karua.
The gathering came amid disagreements over ODM’s cooperation with Ruto’s administration and discussions about Raila’s political legacy following his death on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India.
