Bondo Man Pens Emotional ‘Love–Hate’ Open Letter to Rigathi Gachagua Ahead of Visit to Raila’s Home

A resident of Bondo has written a powerful and deeply emotional open letter to Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, urging him to use his upcoming visit to Opoda Farm as a moment of unity, healing, and reconciliation between long-divided communities.

Richard Otieno, who lives in Bondo and is married to a Kikuyu woman from Nyeri, prepared an extensive 11-page letter mixing praise, criticism, historical reminders, and heartfelt appeals as Gachagua prepares to travel to Raila Odinga’s rural home to pay his respects.

A Bold Step in a Sensitive Moment

Otieno applauded Gachagua for deciding to honour the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, describing the move as courageous and symbolic, especially considering Kenya’s complex political history.

He reminded Gachagua that such gestures are rare, noting that the last major one occurred in 1969 when JM Kariuki became the sole prominent Kikuyu to attend Tom Mboya’s burial.

According to Otieno, Gachagua’s willingness to step into Bondo at such a tense time sets a powerful example:

“My first congratulations are due because of your bold decision that you will soon be going to Bondo to pay respects to my fallen relative Raila Odinga and to condole the family of Jaramogi. Your visit will be very significant,” he wrote, stressing that such acts follow a tradition established by great leaders of the past.

Reminding Gachagua of Past Tensions

Even as he welcomed the gesture, Otieno did not ignore the difficult history between Gachagua and Raila. He pointed out the former deputy president’s tough 2023 Maandamano remarks, where Gachagua vowed to “personally” send Raila back to Bondo. That period was marked by violent clashes that left 77 young Luo protesters dead, a painful memory still fresh in the community.

Now that Raila has been laid to rest in Bondo, Otieno described the visit as a chance to set aside past bitterness and embrace forgiveness:

“To quote one of your recent statements, it was nothing personal. Just politics,” he wrote. “I am sure this is not what you meant when you said you would send him to Bondo.”

Otieno emphasized that Bondo residents understand the value of peace and will receive Gachagua warmly if he comes with a spirit of reconciliation.

Advice for a Humble and Symbolic Visit

The letter also touched on Gachagua’s political journey and influence. Otieno credited him with shaping the political landscape that helped President William Ruto rise to power, especially through the controversial “shareholding” politics that sparked debate across the country.

However, he encouraged Gachagua to visit Bondo in a humble, respectful manner. He jokingly cautioned him against dramatic cultural displays like “running with cows and shouting Jowi,” urging simplicity and calmness.

He further advised Gachagua to travel with his wife, Pastor Dorcas, whom he congratulated for her recent ordination as a bishop. Otieno suggested that her prayers and spiritual guidance may have played a role in Gachagua’s recent softer tone:

“Her prayers may have precipitated your decision to forgive and forget your altercations with the late PM.”

The letter recalled past verbal exchanges, including Gachagua calling Raila mchawi and murogi, and Raila responding by referring to him as Gachietha. Otieno framed these exchanges as political theatrics that should now be left behind.

A Hopeful Appeal for National Healing

In his final reflections, Otieno reminded Gachagua of a proverb he once used—that you cannot bury an elephant with its tusks—to argue that Kenya should preserve what is valuable, such as unity, and discard hostility and division.

He expressed hope that Gachagua’s visit will mark a turning point:

A moment where old wounds begin to close, a moment when Kikuyus and Luos take a step toward each other, and a moment when Kenya moves away from long-standing ethnic tensions.

Otieno concluded by urging Gachagua to make a gesture of unity during his visit, saying the nation is watching and longing for leaders who choose peace over rivalry.

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