Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday, February 13, 2026, held talks with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga in Machakos during a condolence visit at the home of Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu following the death of her son, Moses Muthama.
The meeting, which comes amid heightened political realignments, was confirmed by Kiambu Senator Karung’o Thang’wah, who accompanied Gachagua and shared photos of the leaders interacting.
The images captured the two leaders — often political adversaries — exchanging greetings, sharing a light moment, and even embracing, despite the sombre mood of the funeral.
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The rare public show of warmth between the two sparked fresh speculation about possible political shifts ahead of 2027.
In a statement accompanying the photos, Thang’wah appeared to take a swipe at past political rhetoric, quoting Gachagua as telling Oburu that “Canaan is in the Middle East while Singapore is in Asia, so there is no way you can reach Canaan through Singapore unless you have no sense of direction and or, are completely lost.”
Also present at the gathering was Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who was seen sharing similar cordial moments with Oburu.
Other leaders allied to the emerging united opposition front included Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.. Gachagua was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua.
Kalonzo–Muthama Rift Resurfaces
The funeral also brought together Kalonzo and former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, father of the deceased. The two leaders have not been politically aligned in recent years.
During the 2022 General Election, Muthama — then serving as Vice Chair of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) — opposed Kalonzo, who was on the opposite side of the political divide.
The rivalry contributed to Muthama’s unsuccessful bid for the Machakos gubernatorial seat, which he lost to Wavinya Ndeti.
Political Undertones
Oburu has in the past been vocal in criticising Gachagua over his controversial “shares” remarks made before his ouster from the Deputy President’s office.
The ODM leader has repeatedly maintained that the party cannot enter into a coalition arrangement with Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), arguing that it does not champion inclusivity.
The Machakos meeting also comes just days after Gachagua failed to visit Kang’o Ka Jaromogi to pay tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, despite earlier indicating he would do so.
While some ODM leaders had cautioned against the visit, Oburu publicly defended Gachagua’s right to mourn, saying politics should not bar leaders from paying respects.
Friday’s encounter marked the first time Oburu and Gachagua have been seen sharing the same space since escalating political tensions following Gachagua’s removal from office — a development that has continued to reshape Kenya’s opposition landscape.
Whether the meeting signals thawing relations or was merely a moment of unity in mourning remains to be seen.