United Opposition principal Kalonzo Musyoka has confirmed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expected to visit the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s home, known as Opoda Farm, in Bondo, Siaya County.
Speaking to journalists in Kisumu on Thursday, November 6, Kalonzo explained why Gachagua was not part of the current delegation visiting Bondo.
He said the former Deputy President had assured him that he would find time to travel to Bondo to pay his last respects to Raila’s family.
Although Kalonzo did not specify the exact date of Gachagua’s visit, he acknowledged the growing tension surrounding the matter.
Some leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have openly cautioned Gachagua against visiting the Odinga homestead, arguing that his presence could stir political emotions given recent remarks made by his allies.
Kalonzo noted that the delay in Gachagua’s visit was partly due to the busy political schedule brought about by the ongoing by-election campaigns.
Gachagua’s newly formed party, the Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP), is fielding candidates in several constituencies ahead of the November 27 by-elections.
“Riggy G will definitely find time to come and mourn our late brother Raila,” Kalonzo said. “I spoke to him last night, and he assured me that he will visit the family and pay his last respects.
Of course, as the United Opposition, we are currently focused on the upcoming by-elections, and many of us are quite busy,” he added.
Kalonzo made the remarks while on his way to Bondo, accompanied by leaders from his Wiper Party, former Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki, and Gachagua’s allies, including lawyer Ndegwa Njiru and Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji.
Before heading to Siaya, the former Vice President stopped in Kisumu, where he held a closed-door meeting with Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, joined by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
The update comes amid growing speculation about whether Gachagua will actually make the trip to Bondo. The former DP has maintained silence since skipping both the State Funeral and the burial ceremony of Raila Odinga held in October.
His absence sparked mixed reactions, especially as politicians from different parties have been visiting Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, to offer condolences.
The situation became even more sensitive after Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga made controversial remarks that appeared to celebrate Raila’s death.
In response, ODM leaders, led by National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, strongly criticized Kahiga and accused Gachagua of being behind the comments.
“What I know is that Kahiga doesn’t speak for himself; he is Rigathi Gachagua’s spokesperson,” Wanga said. “Gachagua mocked Raila’s illness and even questioned whether he was a virus, asking if Kalonzo was a bacterium.
Up to this day, Gachagua has not publicly mourned Raila, even though Raila personally visited Nyeri to mourn his brother, the late Nderitu Gachagua,” she added.
Despite these tensions, some of Gachagua’s allies have already begun efforts to mend political relations. Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa and Senator John Methu recently met with Raila’s brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, in Nairobi.
The meeting was widely seen as an attempt to prepare the ground for Gachagua’s potential visit to the Odinga home in Bondo.
Meanwhile, Raila’s family has expressed openness and unity, assuring the public that their home is open to everyone regardless of political alignment or ethnic background.
Raila Odinga Junior, speaking on behalf of the family, said they would not turn away anyone who wishes to visit and condole with them.
He emphasized that Raila’s legacy was about inclusivity, peace, and national unity, and that the family would continue to welcome visitors who come in goodwill to pay their respects.
Overall, Kalonzo’s confirmation of Gachagua’s planned visit has reignited public interest in the ongoing reconciliation efforts within the country’s political circles.
Many Kenyans are watching closely to see if Gachagua’s trip to Bondo will mark a symbolic step toward healing divisions between political camps that have long been at odds.
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