Gachagua Explains Absence from Raila Odinga’s Funeral: Security Concerns and Family Respect Cited

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence over missing the funeral of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Speaking to Ramogi TV on Wednesday, March 25, Gachagua said his absence was guided by intelligence warnings and respect for the Odinga family.

“I did send my condolences to the late Raila Odinga and I had planned to go to Nyayo National Stadium,” Gachagua said. He added that information reached him about a potential attack on his life during the ceremonies. “Some goons had been arranged to attack me so that it could create conflict between the Luo Nation and the Kikuyu Nation,” he revealed. Gachagua described the alleged plot as an attempt to provoke ethnic tensions.

The former DP emphasized that he assessed the situation carefully. “I applied my mind as a senior politician, as a strategist and I realized that it was a very important occasion for Raila Odinga and his followers. It would have been imprudent for me to seem like I have brought chaos into a very solemn ceremony that was very, very important,” he said. Gachagua also claimed similar threats extended to the burial in Bondo, where the late ODM leader was laid to rest.

Despite skipping the funeral, Gachagua reached out privately to Ida Odinga. “I did call my Mama Ida Odinga and I gave her my personal condolences, me and Pastor Dorcas… we did place a request that we would like to go to Bondo,” he explained. He said the family asked for more time before permitting a visit, a request he chose to respect. “She told us to wait and we are waiting. You cannot force yourself into somebody’s home. I am an elder, a leader in this country. I respect families and homes and traditions,” Gachagua added.

Gachagua insisted that he remains willing to pay respects at Raila’s final resting place if the family approves. His explanation frames his absence not as avoidance, but as caution and deference to family protocol, prioritizing safety and solemnity over public appearances.