Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has finally broken his silence on one of the most debated questions in Kenya’s recent political news cycle: Why did he fail to attend Raila Odinga’s state funeral?
His absence sparked speculation, but the DP has offered a detailed explanation rooted in security fears, political honesty, and personal conviction.

1. “I Feared for My Life” – Gachagua’s Security Concerns

Gachagua says he stayed away from the funeral due to intelligence reports warning that his life was in danger if he attended.
According to him, officers privately cautioned that a coordinated attack was being planned and that it would later be blamed on people from the Nyanza region — a move he believes was intended to ignite ethnic tensions between the Kikuyu and Luo communities.

He also referenced earlier alleged assassination attempts in Limuru and Mwiki, claiming none were ever investigated.

2. A Funeral Filled With “Lies,” He Says

Beyond security, Gachagua took issue with the political messaging at the funeral.
He argued that some leaders were not truthful in their tributes to Raila and accused them of hypocrisy — mourning the ODM leader publicly despite having criticised him harshly in the past.
He singled out Kalonzo Musyoka as the only leader who “spoke truthfully” during the ceremony.

3. A Calculated Choice: Not Overshadowing Raila’s Farewell

Some of the DP’s allies have defended his absence as an intentional act of political maturity.
Senator Karungo wa Thangwa said Gachagua wanted to avoid turning the solemn event into a political spectacle, arguing that his presence could have drawn unnecessary tension or shifted the spotlight away from Raila’s legacy.

4. A Promise to Visit Bondo Privately

Although he skipped the public funeral, Gachagua insists he still intends to pay his respects.
He revealed that he has spoken with Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, and plans a private visit to Bondo with a delegation of elders and clergy. The timing, he says, will be after upcoming by-elections.