Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expected to visit Raila Odinga’s Opoda Farm home in Bondo, Siaya County, to pay his last respects to the late opposition leader. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka confirmed the development while addressing the press in Kisumu on Thursday, November 6.
Kalonzo revealed that he spoke to Gachagua, who assured him of finding time to visit Raila’s family. However, the former Vice President did not disclose the exact date for the visit, which has sparked mixed reactions among a section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders.
“Riggy G will look for time and come to mourn our late brother Raila. I spoke to Gachagua last night, and he will come to pay his last respects,” Kalonzo said. He added that the Deputy President was currently occupied with campaign activities for his Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP) ahead of the November 27 by-elections.
Kalonzo, accompanied by Wiper and allied leaders including former CS Sicily Kariuki and MPs Ndegwa Njiru and Gitonga Mukunji, made the remarks before heading to Siaya. In Kisumu, he met Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o alongside Governors Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Wavinya Ndeti.
Gachagua’s anticipated visit comes amid political tension following his absence from Raila’s state funeral in October. ODM leaders had earlier accused Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga—one of Gachagua’s allies—of making disparaging remarks about Raila’s illness. ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga claimed Kahiga spoke on Gachagua’s behalf, deepening divisions between the two camps.
Despite the controversy, Raila’s family has maintained an open-door policy. Raila Odinga Junior recently affirmed that all Kenyans, regardless of political affiliation, were welcome to visit and condole with the family.
The expected visit by Gachagua is being closely watched as a potential gesture of reconciliation amid heightened political rivalry between Kenya Kwanza and the opposition.
