United Opposition co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka has confirmed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will visit the late Raila Odinga’s Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, to pay his last respects.
Speaking to the press in Kisumu on Thursday, Kalonzo explained that Gachagua had expressed his intention to visit the Odinga family soon, even though his schedule remains tight due to the ongoing by-election campaigns.
“Riggy G will find time and come to mourn our late brother Raila. I spoke to Gachagua last night, and he assured me he would visit and pay his last respects,” Kalonzo stated.
However, Kalonzo did not specify the exact date of the visit, noting that Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP) is currently engaged in intense campaigns for the November 27 by-elections.
Kalonzo made the remarks ahead of his own visit to Raila’s Bondo home, where he was accompanied by former Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru—key allies of Gachagua. He also held a meeting in Kisumu with Governors Anyang’ Nyong’o, Mutula Kilonzo Jr., and Wavinya Ndeti before proceeding to Siaya.
Political Reactions and Tensions
Gachagua’s planned visit has sparked mixed reactions, especially among ODM leaders, who have warned him against traveling to Bondo. The tension follows the former DP’s absence from Raila’s state funeral in October, which was interpreted by some as a political snub.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga recently accused Gachagua of being behind alleged disparaging remarks made by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who was seen mocking Raila’s illness prior to his death.
“Kahiga does not speak for himself—he is Gachagua’s spokesperson,” Wanga claimed, adding that the former DP had yet to personally mourn Raila despite the late opposition leader having attended his brother’s burial years earlier.
In the past week, Gachagua’s allies, including Senators Karungo wa Thang’wa and John Methu, have met with Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga in Nairobi, in what political observers believe was part of efforts to pave the way for a peaceful visit to Bondo.
Meanwhile, Raila’s family, led by his son Raila Odinga Junior, has maintained that their home remains open to all visitors, regardless of political affiliation.
“We welcome everyone to visit our home to pay their respects. This is a time for unity, not division,” Raila Junior stated.
The anticipated visit by Gachagua is being closely watched, with analysts suggesting it could mark a symbolic gesture of reconciliation within Kenya’s deeply polarized political landscape.