Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that he missed the State Funeral and burial of the late Azimio leader Raila Odinga after receiving intelligence reports warning of a planned attack on his life.
Speaking during an interview on Inooro TV on Sunday, November 16, Gachagua said he had fully intended to attend both the funeral service at Nyayo Stadium and the burial in Bondo, but multiple security alerts forced him to stay away.
“Police Warned Me Not to Go”
According to Gachagua, confidential sources within the police service informed him that some senior government officials had allegedly arranged for plain-clothes officers to attack him at Nyayo Stadium and later blame the incident on youth from Nyanza.
“I was very prepared to go to the national stadium,” he said. “But some police officers told me not to go because the government had planned to use some officers to attack me, then claim that people from Nyanza had assaulted me. After learning that, I said I cannot risk it.”
The former DP further claims that similar plans were allegedly put in place when he announced he would travel to Bondo for the burial.
Alleged Plot in Bondo
Gachagua said a senior Interior Ministry official had “organised the same plan” to target him during the burial procession, allegedly to trigger tensions between Mt Kenya and Nyanza communities.
“I know President Ruto’s administration very well,” he added, insisting he was convinced the threats were real.
Visit to Raila’s Home Scheduled
Despite the alleged threats, Gachagua maintained that he will honour Raila Odinga by visiting his home in Bondo during the first week of December.
He revealed that he has already spoken to Raila’s family, including Winnie Odinga, as well as Mount Kenya elders, who have approved the visit.
Gachagua said he will lead a delegation of elders, clergy, and community leaders to pay their respects and strengthen ties between the two regions.
“We were never close with Raila; it was nothing personal—just politics,” he said. “Our elders told me it is important to build friendships with his community, and I will go there to offer condolences and seek unity.”
Criticises Ruto and Government Officials
Gachagua also faulted President William Ruto and senior government leaders for what he termed “dishonest tributes” during Raila’s burial.
“The lies were too much. Ruto and others claimed they admired Raila, yet they never did,” he said. “The only person who spoke truthfully that day was Kalonzo, because he had worked with Raila for 15 years.”
Gachagua concluded by acknowledging Raila’s profound role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.