Orange Democratic Party (ODM) leader and Kenya’s long-serving opposition figure, the late Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, will be laid to rest tomorrow, October 19, 2025, at his Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County.
According to the National Funeral Committee chaired by his elder brother Dr. Oburu Odinga and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Raila’s body will leave Kisumu after the final public viewing and will be airlifted to his rural home for interment.
However, amid the nationwide mourning, one notable absence has sparked widespread discussion — that of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Since the announcement of Raila’s passing, Gachagua has not appeared at any of the viewing venues or official memorial ceremonies, including the high-profile farewell service held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
After days of speculation and mounting criticism from Kenyans online, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, a close ally of Gachagua, has finally broken the silence — offering an explanation that has divided public opinion.
“A Deliberate Show of Statesmanship”
In a statement released on Saturday, October 18, Senator Thang’wa said Gachagua’s absence was intentional and deeply respectful, not an act of political defiance or indifference.
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“His absence from Baba’s farewell was not an act of defiance, weakness, or guilt,” Thang’wa stated.
“It was a deliberate show of statesmanship, emotional intelligence, and deep respect for a moment that was bigger than politics.”
The senator argued that Gachagua chose silence over spectacle, explaining that his presence could have shifted the focus from Raila’s legacy to political debates and speculation.
“He knows that his presence alone would have changed the tone of the day, diverting attention from celebrating Raila’s life to unnecessary political interpretations,” Thang’wa added.
Respect Over Public Optics
Thang’wa emphasized that Gachagua’s decision was a sign of reverence rather than disregard.
“His absence was not indifference. It was reverence,” he said, recalling moments when Gachagua and Raila worked together and opposed each other in Kenya’s turbulent political landscape.
He revealed that the former Deputy President intends to honour Raila privately by visiting his grave in Bondo once the burial is complete.
“When the right time comes, he will honour Raila — not before a sea of cameras — but in a personal and respectful way, by laying a wreath at his resting place,” Thang’wa explained.
“Silence is Leadership”
The Kiambu senator further noted that the public debate surrounding Gachagua’s absence only underscores his political weight and national relevance.
“The fact that the country spent more time discussing who was not at Nyayo Stadium than who was present is proof of Gachagua’s significance,” he said.
“Sometimes silence is not absence. Sometimes, it is leadership.”
Mixed Reactions from Kenyans
Despite the explanation, many Kenyans online dismissed Thang’wa’s justification.
“Raila never feared hostile crowds. He attended key events even in Mt. Kenya during tough times. Gachagua should have done the same,” wrote @Ngala987 on X.
Others accused Gachagua of widening divisions between regions.
“Gachagua’s abstention now makes the Luo nation view him as an enemy; it was not a wise move,” commented @Biiz.
As the nation prepares to lay Raila Odinga to rest tomorrow, the debate over Gachagua’s absence continues to dominate political conversations — a reminder of how the former Prime Minister’s death has once again exposed Kenya’s delicate political and ethnic balance.
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