By Peter John
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained why he did not attend the State funeral service of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium, nor the burial ceremony held later in Bondo.
Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV on Wednesday evening, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said his decision was guided by security concerns and intelligence reports indicating potential threats to his safety.
Gachagua revealed that he had initially planned to attend both the Nairobi funeral service and the burial in Bondo.
However, he claimed to have received information suggesting that individuals had been mobilised to attack him during the events—an act he believes was intended to incite ethnic tensions between the Luo and Kikuyu communities.
According to him, attending under such circumstances would have risked disrupting what he described as a solemn and significant occasion for Odinga’s family and supporters.
He said he chose to stay away to avoid any incident that could have escalated into broader national unrest.
The former Deputy President further alleged that similar threats extended to the burial in Bondo, warning that any confrontation there could have strained relations between communities.
He maintained that his decision was informed by what he termed as credible intelligence from within security circles.
Gachagua also claimed that previous attacks against him in areas such as Kariobangi and Mwiki were orchestrated, linking them to individuals he accused of planning similar disruptions in Nyanza.
He further alleged that heckling incidents targeting James Orengo were connected to the same network, though he did not provide evidence to support the claims.
Despite the concerns, Gachagua insisted that he enjoys goodwill in the Nyanza region, recalling past visits alongside President William Ruto where he said he received a warm reception across counties including Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Kisumu.
On why he has yet to visit Odinga’s home in Bondo months after the burial, Gachagua said he had already reached out to the family. He disclosed that he personally called Ida Odinga to convey his condolences and formally requested to visit.
However, he noted that the family asked for more time as they continued to mourn, and he is still awaiting their invitation. Gachagua emphasised that, in keeping with cultural norms and respect for the family, he would not visit unannounced.
He reiterated that his absence from both events was a deliberate decision aimed at preserving peace and preventing any potential disruption during a sensitive national moment.
