Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has finally explained why he skipped the state funeral of the late Opposition leader Raila Amolo Odinga, revealing that he received intelligence warning him of an alleged plot to attack him during the ceremony.
Raila’s body lay in state at Parliament Buildings on October 17, where dignitaries, local leaders, and foreign representatives gathered to pay their respects.
Later that day, the government held a state funeral service at Nyayo Stadium—an event attended by thousands. Gachagua’s absence, however, raised significant public debate.
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“I Was Warned Not to Attend” — Gachagua
Speaking a month later during an interview on Inooro TV and Wimwaro Radio on Sunday, November 16, Gachagua claimed his nonattendance was not intentional.
Instead, he alleged that he was warned by some police officers about a covert plan to harm him and blame the Luo community.
“I was ready to attend Raila’s state funeral at Nyayo Stadium, but I was cautioned by some police officers not to go. They revealed that the government intended to deploy plainclothes officers to assault me, then frame it on individuals from Nyanza to fuel animosity between our communities,” he said.
Gachagua referenced earlier incidents where he was allegedly attacked at public events in Limuru, a church in Kasarani, and on his arrival from the United States in August—claims he believes are linked to political sabotage.
Aborted Bondo Visit Over ‘Fresh Plot’
The former deputy president also disclosed that he had intended to visit Raila’s home in Bondo shortly after the burial but aborted the plan after receiving intelligence of yet another scheme against him. He linked the alleged plot to officials within the Ministry of Interior.
Despite this, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) announced that Gachagua would make an official visit to pay homage to the Odinga family.
He revealed that he had communicated with Winnie Odinga and plans to visit Kango Ka Jaramogi and Opoda Farm in early December, after concluding his engagements in Mbeere North ahead of the November 27 by-election.
“I will be visiting Opoda Farm with a big delegation in the first week of December to mourn the late Raila Odinga. The elders have advised that we strengthen unity between our people and the Luo community,” Gachagua stated.
‘Many Shed Crocodile Tears’ — Gachagua
Gachagua further cast doubt on the sincerity of some leaders who attended the state funeral, suggesting that many were political opportunists.
He emphasised that while he and Raila were not close on a personal level, there was never hostility between them. He praised Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as Raila’s “only true ally,” citing his consistent support in the 2013, 2017, and 2022 elections.
He added that his DCP party aims to emulate Raila’s leadership values, describing the late opposition chief as a shrewd and inspirational figure.
Raila Junior Opens Bondo to All Kenyans
Raila Odinga Junior, who has assumed the role of family head, previously invited all Kenyans to visit Kang’o Ka Jaramogi to honour his late father.
This came after ODM officials declared Gachagua unwelcome—following remarks by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who controversially suggested Raila’s death was a blessing for Mt Kenya.
ODM leaders accused Kahiga of speaking with Gachagua’s blessing, claims he has denied.
Raila Odinga, who died in India at the age of 80, was laid to rest at his home on October 19, next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. His legacy continues to shape Kenya’s political landscape.