Senator Karungo wa Thangwa has defended former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s decision to skip the public farewell ceremony for the late Raila Odinga, describing the move as one of maturity and respect.
Gachagua was noticeably absent at the Nyayo Stadium farewell event, which drew thousands of mourners, including top opposition leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Fred Matiang’i. His absence, however, stirred widespread debate among Kenyans, with many questioning his reasons for staying away.
According to Thangwa, Gachagua’s decision was not an act of defiance but a calculated gesture meant to preserve the dignity of the event. He stated that the former DP’s presence could have shifted public attention from Odinga’s legacy to political speculation and controversy.
“Gachagua is not just another politician. He is one of the most consequential leaders of our time. It is precisely because of that stature that he chose not to attend the public farewell,” Thangwa said.
The Kiambu Senator explained that Gachagua deliberately stepped back to allow the nation to focus on celebrating Raila Odinga’s long and impactful political journey without distractions.
“The day was not about politics, alliances, or rivalries. It was about Kenya coming together to honour a towering figure in our history,” Thangwa added.
He further noted that leadership is not always about visibility, but about discernment and wisdom. “Gachagua does not need to stand on every stage to be at the centre of the story. His leadership speaks for itself, and even in silence, the nation feels his presence,” he said.
Thangwa concluded that the criticism Gachagua received for missing the event was proof of his influence and relevance in Kenya’s political landscape.
