Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s sister-in-law, Margaret Nyokabi, has visited the grave of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, amid continued silence from the Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party leader himself.
Nyokabi, who was married to the late Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, led her family to Raila’s Bondo home, where she laid a wreath at his gravesite and observed a moment of silence in honour of the veteran politician, who died of cardiac arrest on October 15.
After the solemn tribute, Nyokabi visited Mama Ida Odinga, Raila’s widow, and the two women shared a brief, private moment together.
Observers have described Nyokabi’s visit as a gesture of goodwill and reciprocity, recalling that Raila personally attended her husband’s funeral in 2017, despite the political tension at the time.
“When Nderitu Gachagua passed away, Raila Odinga braved the political divide to pay his respects. Today’s visit reflects the same spirit of respect and unity,” a source familiar with the family said.
On the same day, Gachagua’s close allies—Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa and Nyandarua Senator John Methu—also visited acting ODM Party Leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga at his home in Nairobi.
The two leaders presented their condolences and gifted him two sheep as a sign of peace and solidarity.
“Our mission was to deliver our condolences to Senator Oburu Odinga and express our support to the Odinga family,” Thang’wa said after the visit.
The visits come days after ODM leaders, led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, had reportedly warned Gachagua’s allies against making political appearances in Bondo.
However, Raila’s son, Raila Junior, has since opened the family home to all Kenyans, inviting everyone to visit and pay their last respects.
“This home belongs to all Kenyans who wish to honour my father. No one will be turned away,” Raila Junior declared at the gravesite on October 25.
Raila Junior, who was recently installed as the new head of the Odinga family in a private traditional ceremony, emphasized unity and forgiveness during the mourning period.
Meanwhile, Gachagua himself has maintained an unusually low profile since Raila’s passing, making only two brief public appearances—first, when celebrating his wife Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, and later during a church service in Lang’ata, where he refrained from addressing the congregation.
Whether the DCP leader will personally visit Raila’s resting place remains uncertain. However, with his relatives and allies having already made peaceful visits, many believe this could pave the way for his own gesture of respect.