Rigathi Gachagua Reveals Why He Skipped Raila Odinga Funeral and Bondo Visit

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has finally explained why he did not attend the funeral of Raila Odinga and why he has not yet visited his home in Bondo.

Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV on Wednesday evening, Gachagua said he stayed away due to serious security concerns.

Fear of Planned Attacks

Gachagua revealed that he had planned to attend both the funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium and the burial in Bondo. However, he received intelligence reports warning that there were plans to attack him.

According to him, the alleged attacks were meant to create tension between the Luo and Kikuyu communities.

“I got information that people were being prepared to attack me during the funeral. This could have caused unnecessary conflict during a very important and emotional event,” he said.

He added that as a senior leader, he chose to avoid the events to prevent any chaos or misunderstanding.

Decision to Protect National Unity

Gachagua explained that attending the burial in Bondo also posed a risk. He claimed that any incident there could have led to wider ethnic tensions in the country.

He said he had previously faced attacks in Nairobi and believed similar plans were being organized again.

“If anything had happened to me in Bondo, it could have been seen as a fight between communities, which is not true,” he said.

Claims of Political Schemes

The former DP further claimed that some individuals were behind the alleged plans to disrupt his attendance. He linked past incidents, including being heckled in public events, to the same group.

However, he insisted that his decision was purely to maintain peace and respect the occasion.

“I Was Welcomed in Nyanza before.”

Gachagua also noted that he has enjoyed good relations with people from the Nyanza region in the past.

He recalled visiting counties like Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori, where he said he received a warm welcome.

“This is why I knew the issue was not the people, but those trying to cause division,” he added.

Why He Has Not Visited Bondo

Six months after Raila Odinga’s burial, Gachagua said he is yet to visit the family home in Bondo because he is waiting for permission.

He revealed that together with his wife, Pastor Dorcas, they called Ida Odinga to send their condolences and request a visit.

According to him, the family asked for more time as they were still mourning.

“She told us to wait for the right time, and we are respecting that,” he said.

Respect for Culture and Traditions

Gachagua stressed that he cannot visit someone’s home without being invited, especially during such a sensitive period.

“I respect family traditions and cannot force my way into their home,” he said.

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