In a candid and explosive interview on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua finally addressed the question that has gripped Kenyan politics for five months: Why was he absent from the farewell of his fiercest rival-turned-national-icon, Raila Amolo Odinga?
Gachagua, now leading the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), claimed that his absence was not a sign of disrespect, but a calculated move to avoid a state-sponsored “setup.”
1. The “Planted Goons” at Nyayo Stadium
Gachagua disclosed that he had fully intended to attend the requiem mass at Nyayo Stadium in October 2025. However, he claimed to have received intelligence that “goons” had been hired by senior civil servants to harass him during the service.
“I got wind that people had been planted to harm me and create a perception of animosity between the Nyanza and Mount Kenya communities,” Gachagua stated. “I decided not to attend because I did not want to tarnish the funeral of a national leader with chaos.”
2. Why the Bondo Burial was Skipped
The former DP further alleged that similar security threats existed for the burial in Bondo. He claimed that a senior government official—whom he did not name—had organized a group to “injure” him during the final rites. By staying away, Gachagua argues he preserved the dignity of the Odingas’ mourning period.
3. The Aborted Bondo Visit: Blaming Mama Ida
Addressing why he has yet to visit the grave of the late “Baba” in Bondo, Gachagua shifted the focus to Mama Ida Odinga. He claimed that his attempts to pay a private homage at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi were frustrated by a lack of clear communication and “political interference” that made the visit untenable.
This follows months of friction where ODM leaders, led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, accused Gachagua’s camp of politicizing Raila’s death following controversial remarks by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga.
4. “The Choir Master”: Shifting the Blame to Ruto
In the same interview, Gachagua defended his past harsh rhetoric against Raila, describing the Kenya Kwanza campaign as a “choir” where President William Ruto was the “choir master.” He argued that while he participated in political attacks, the current administration has conveniently “changed its tune” now that Raila is gone and Gachagua is the new primary rival.
