In a wide-ranging and emotionally charged interview on Ramogi TV this Wednesday, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua provided the most detailed explanation yet for his conspicuous absence from the late Raila Odinga’s final journey.
The DCP leader, who has faced months of criticism for skipping both the national requiem mass and the burial in Bondo, shifted the focus to security threats and what he described as a “stalled invitation” from the Odinga family.
1. The “Approval” Stalemate with Mama Ida
Addressing the question of why he hasn’t visited Raila’s final resting place at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Gachagua stated that he is ready, but the door has not been opened. He revealed that he personally called Mama Ida Odinga to pass his condolences and request a date for a formal visit with Mount Kenya elders.
“I called Mama Ida; I passed my personal condolences to her. She told me things were quite heavy and that she would give us an answer at an appropriate time. We are still waiting,” Gachagua said. “As an elder of my stature, I cannot just walk into someone’s home without the homeowner’s approval.”
2. Fear of “Planted Goons”
For the first time, Gachagua detailed the intelligence that led to his absence from the Nyayo National Stadium service in October 2025. He claimed he had received credible reports that “goons” had been hired to attack him during the event to spark ethnic conflict.
“I didn’t want to be the reason for chaos at such a solemn ceremony,” Gachagua explained. He alleged that a senior civil servant had also organized a group to “injure” him at the Bondo burial site, leading to his decision to stay away entirely.
3. The Mutahi Kahiga Fallout
The political climate was further poisoned in late 2025 by remarks from Gachagua’s close ally, Governor Mutahi Kahiga. Kahiga’s controversial comments about Raila’s passing—which he later apologized for—led ODM leaders like Gladys Wanga to warn Gachagua against “setting foot” in Nyanza.
Gachagua dismissed these warnings as political theater, insisting that his relationship with the Luo nation remains strong and that his primary goal is to build a “resilient political party” (DCP) that emulates the strength of Raila’s ODM.
4. “Ruto Abused Raila for 9 Years”
Taking a shot at his former boss, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of hypocrisy. He reminded the audience that the current administration had “abused” Raila for nearly a decade before turning him into a “national icon” for political convenience after his death. Gachagua framed himself as the only leader being “honest” about the past while seeking a respectful path forward.
The Waiting Game
As the 2027 election cycle begins to loom, Gachagua’s inability to visit Bondo remains a major talking point. Whether Mama Ida Odinga will eventually grant the “elder” his date remains to be seen, but the DCP leader has made his position clear: The ball is in the Odingas’ court.
