The noticeable absence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the State Funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has sparked speculation among Kenyans, with many questioning why he failed to attend the high-profile event.
In contrast, several prominent leaders from the opposition, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi, were present, signaling a rare moment of unity across the political divide to pay their respects to Raila.
Given this cross-party show of solidarity, some had expected Gachagua to attend, despite his past political clashes with Raila, particularly during the heated 2022 General Election period.
However, the arrival of President William Ruto, who, in line with state protocol, was the last senior official to enter Nyayo Stadium, strongly suggested that Gachagua’s attendance was not anticipated, effectively confirming his absence from the ceremony.
At the time of publishing, no official explanation had been provided for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s absence from the State Funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. His office did not issue any formal communication ahead of the Friday ceremony.
Gachagua and Odinga became familiar political adversaries during the intense campaign season leading up to the 2022 General Election.
Raila contested the presidency under the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya coalition, while Gachagua was the running mate to then–Deputy President William Ruto.
Throughout the campaign, Gachagua emerged as one of Raila’s most vocal critics, repeatedly branding him a “State project” propped up by outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He cast himself as the voice of the “hustler nation” and a staunch defender of the Mt. Kenya region, positioning his side in opposition to what he described as elite, dynastic politics associated with Odinga and Kenyatta.
Following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Ruto’s victory, Gachagua maintained a combative stance toward Odinga, especially during the wave of opposition-led protests in 2023.
These demonstrations, sparked by rising living costs and claims of electoral malpractice, were denounced by Gachagua as attempts to destabilize the country and pressure the government into a political settlement, a move he likened to the 2018 “handshake” between Odinga and Kenyatta.
Odinga, for his part, accused Gachagua of tribalism and of sidelining communities outside Mt. Kenya, citing the Deputy President’s frequent remarks emphasizing regional loyalty.
Their relationship remained frosty and unreconciled. Gachagua later found himself in the opposition camp following his impeachment as Deputy President, a political twist that coincided with Raila forging a cooperative relationship with President Ruto.
Despite their differences, Gachagua released a condolence message after Raila’s passing, acknowledging his contributions to Kenya’s democratic struggles and honoring his legacy as a freedom fighter and public servant.
Notably, the State Funeral took place on October 17, 2024, the first anniversary of Gachagua’s impeachment.
